Meat and Livestock Australia

Rangeland goat production inWestern NSW: Where are they now? 27 Looking forward A big consideration for Gates Goats going forward is the potential impact of wild dogs and avenues available to address this. Dogs had not previously been present in the area, with the first tracks seen in 2016. While no noticeable impacts of dogs have yet been felt, Rick is acutely aware of the risk they pose. The destruction caused to sheep and goat industries in Western Australia and Queensland are evidence of this. Rick considers multi-species exclusion fencing to be a viable option in preventing entry of dogs before they become widespread in the area. This does however pose a substantial investment, both initially and ongoing, so is not a decision that is being taken lightly. The Gates are also members of a newly formed coordinated dog baiting group that will run regular, multi-property baiting programs. While Rick is by no means intending to step away from the business in the near future, succession and an eventual retirement of sorts is also something he intends to begin working towards. Industry direction When discussing industry direction, Rick refers to the Goatmeat and Livestock Industry Strategic Plan 2020. This is a document well worth reading when considering the priorities and future of the Australian goat industry. Speaking more casually Rick discusses the clean, green image that ‘Rangeland Goat’ branding may promote. While product has been marketed under this title in the US for some time, this may have potential elsewhere. DEXA technology (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is being supported by the industry with work being done to assess viability. This is consistent with the sheep and beef industries. Rick is hopeful this may provide some opportunity for Boer goat producers to realise a premium return for a premium carcass. This would subsequently promote broader improvement in product quality across the industry. Plant matter covering soil. Despite the dry season, Rick ensures groundcover is maintained