Meat and Livestock Australia

Rangeland goat production inWestern NSW: Where are they now? 13 Overview of ndings When speaking with producers in the development of these case studies, a number of key themes emerged. Initially there is the fundamental point that rangeland goats provide a profitable alternative to more traditional livestock enterprises. Additional benefits of reduced work load, lower costs and an improvement in landscape health can be realised under certain management strategies. Second to this is the critical role of appropriate fencing in allowing a move into managed goats and subsequent livestock and land management. Over the past five years, much of the change seen within the case study enterprises are a result of the high prices experienced. The flow on effects of this includes a greater focus on export markets over the once premium markets of domestic consumption and live export. This is due to the competitive prices and broader grids offered by exporters, as well as reduced demand from live export markets that began sourcing goats elsewhere. There was also a shift in enterprise balance from trading to growing. Some producers have reduced the intensity with which their business is run. This has stemmed from a belief that goat enterprises are better aligned to a low input, extensive, commodity based production system. As the industry continues to mature, established producers identified opportunity in their unique ability to provide both a consistent product to market and superior breeding stock to producers. However producers also expressed some concerns. While it was acknowledged that progress had been made, the need to develop a supply chain of consistent quality and quantity was raised. Those managing breeding goat herds also identified availability of quality Boer goats as a limiting factor. This influences the genetic progress of both their businesses and that of the broader rangeland goat industry. As a whole, producers said they were glad to be a part of the goat industry and expressed confidence in it’s future.