GREENSBORO -- They're cute. And profitable. And more and more, they're for dinner.

"There's a huge market, especially with the influx of immigrants into this area and all across the United States," said, Dr. Millie Worku, assistant professor of Animal Science at N.C. A&T University. "Goat meat's very, very popular."

Meeting that growing appetite was one goal of the 6th Annual Small Farms Field Day, which was held at the university's research farm in Greensboro.

Organizers say goat is the most consumed animal around the world and it's the fastest growing meat industry in the country.

Those pluses are catching the attention of farmers from across the state.

"I just think there's a good market for it right now, and there's a lot of potential, " said Jeffrey Thornton, who owns a small farm in Gibsonville. "We just want try to do different things and diversify."

The farm's director says goats fit in with existing farm animals and produce, and they eat about anything.

"When we harvest our tomatoes, harvest our beans, we got a lot of green vegetation left," said Dr. Ralph Noble, chairman of the Department of Animal Sciences. "The goat again is able to convert that to an income source."

Goat is already being served at restaurants around the state. It's popular in Hispanic, African and Indian cuisine.

In addition to being tasty, Worku says it's healthy.

"It's a lean meat, so compared to other meats, where people are concerned about fat and what have you, the goat offers less fat."

Lakemya Davis, a graduate student from La Grange, N.C., says there are other benefits, as well.

"They're great animals to work with, have a good temperament, more like pets, more like a dog or cats."

The day also included discussions and demonstrations of pastured poultry, no-till cantaloupes and other vegetables.

If you're interested in trying goat, check for it at an area farmers market or restaurants that serve Indian, Jamaican, or other cuisine.