Australia reports increased goat meat production
Goat meat production in Australia is at the highest level reached over the past two years and a half. Goat production exceeded 6,000 tonnes for the first time since March 2019. In the third quarter, goat slaughter hit 344,000 head, an increase of 81% on last year and 32% on the June quarter, informs Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
The rise in slaughter translated to higher production and highlights that the goat population rebuild has matured, with producers now harvesting and mustering goats again after two years.
Goat carcase weights remained above 17kg for the third consecutive quarter, in part due to the improved seasonal conditions and abundance of feed. However, the rise in goat carcase weights can also be attributed to a shift in the industry towards managed goat operations, where producers are not processing every goat they muster (both small and large). Rather, they are now keeping lighter goats for longer and finishing them out to heavier weights.
Goat production remains concentrated in Victoria and Queensland, where 88% of goats are processed. However, most of the goats processed in these states come from NSW.
As a result, the Restocker Lamb Indicator price has risen to 735¢/kg carcase weight (cwt) wh...
This moving production highlights the essential role of generational change in the Spanish countr...
During the meeting, the sector expressed its concern about the serious consequences that the...
