Meat and Livestock Australia

6 As a function of the large goat populations in western NSW, approximately 68 per cent of national annual production originates from NSW; a figure that has remained relatively stable over the last five years (MLA, 16 Nov 2017). Despite this, almost all of these animals are processed interstate. Predominant processing and exporting states are Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. It is likely that this may change within the coming years as a new abattoir is being built in Bourke, with an expected completion date in 2019. This plant will have a processing capacity of 6,000 animals per day (Adams, 2017). When considered in the context of the national kill, being 2.08 million head in the 2016-17 fiscal year (approx. 5,700 per day), the potential impact of this plant on the goat industry becomes clear (MLA, 28 Sept 2017). As this facility will also process lambs, there is no doubt that its establishment will be felt throughout the processing sector. Producers in the region will also be provided with a more local sale destination, possibly reducing transport costs. Also relevant to producers in the south west of NSW is the refurbishment of the Meatco abattoirs in Mildura. This plant will take up to 6,000 sheep, lambs and goats per week (Pulford, 2018). The domestic market is predominately supplied by farmed goats from agricultural regions of the country. Animals are generally of a more identifiable breed than rangeland goats, with Boers common. Domestic consumption focuses largely on high end restaurants and health conscious consumers. Rangeland goats offer a low input enterprise, with the ability to better utilise browse plant species that are seldom touched by sheep and cattle (Osoro et al, 2013)(Lu, 1988). Joining is generally unmanaged, with kids being born year round but peaking during cooler months. Due to the combination of a short gestation period (150 days), frequent multiple births (average 1.3 kids per litter) and the general hardiness of rangeland goats, they can prove to be a productive and profitable enterprise under good management (DPI, 2018). Goat depots continue to play an integral role in the Australian goat industry. They allow numbers to be consolidated in order to target animals to markets they best fit and market animals on an efficient scale (MLA GiG, 2018). The flow of goats through the supply chain is displayed in Figure 3. Figure 2. Australian goatmeat annual export volumes and values (MLA, Mar 2018)