A coffee table, a few boards, and a little sweat equity are all it took to build this homemade goat milking stand, a simple and effective DIY goat milking stand for small farms.
My family and I had just moved to a home on 30 acres when we decided we wanted to try raising a dairy goat. After building a little goat hut out of cedar trees from the pasture, our next step was to build a sturdy goat milk stand. I had a coffee table that we weren’t using that had a strong frame and a 2 by 4 foot surface, which was plenty of room for our Saanen. With a few adjustments, it quickly turned into a practical milking table for goats, making daily milking much easier.
This simple setup became our first goat milking stand DIY project, and it worked surprisingly well. Instead of investing in expensive goat milk stands, we created our own using materials we already had. The design was straightforward, and with a few added boards, it functioned just like a professional goat table. Over time, we even considered modifying it into a small DIY goat cart for easier movement around the barn.
The total cost of this homemade goat-milking stand was about $15, plus a little sweat equity. We made the money back in no time, as our pretty white Saanen gives us a gallon a day of the sweetest, freshest milk you’ve ever tasted.
Whit Erwin
St. Clair, Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a goat milking stand and why do you need one?
A goat milking stand is a raised platform designed to safely hold a goat in place during milking. It helps keep the goat steady, reduces strain on the farmer, and creates a more hygienic and efficient milking process.
2. How do you build a DIY goat milking stand at home?
A DIY goat milking stand can be built using basic materials like a sturdy table, wooden boards, and a head gate. Many people repurpose items like coffee tables or pallets to create a functional goat milk stand without high costs.
3. What size should a milking table for goats be?
A typical milking table for goats should be around 18–24 inches high and large enough for the goat to stand comfortably, usually about 2 by 4 feet. The size can vary depending on the breed of goat.
4. Can you use a regular table as a goat milking stand?
Yes, a regular table can be converted into a goat milking stand DIY project by adding a headlock and support boards. Many homesteaders use old furniture to create effective goat milk stands.
5. What is the difference between a goat milking stand and a goat table?
A goat table is a general platform, while a goat milking stand is specifically designed with features like a head gate to keep the goat still during milking.
6. Is it worth building your own goat milk stand?
Building your own goat milk stand is cost-effective and customizable. A DIY goat milking stand allows you to use available materials and adjust the design to suit your specific needs.
7. Can a goat milking stand be mobile like a DIY goat cart?
Yes, many people add wheels to their goat milk stands, turning them into a DIY goat cart. This makes it easier to move the stand around the farm or barn area.
8. How many goat milk stands do you need for a small farm?
For small farms, one goat milking stand is usually enough, but having multiple goat milk stands can help if you are milking several goats at the same time.
