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Transitioning meat goat production systems in western NSW-Learnings from the Going Ahead with Goats project
Author
Smith, K
Publisher
XII International Rangeland Congress
Publication Year
2025
Body

Historically, meat goats were considered a niche industry in Australia. However, goats are now viewed as a viable addition to livestock production systems in western New South Wales (NSW) rangelands, providing valuable income diversification. In the 2021-22 financial year, Australian goat exports were valued at $298.6 million, with 55% of these goats produced in western NSW. The sector saw rapid growth following an 83% goat carcass price rise between 2018 and 2019, prompting landholders to invest in infrastructure and genetics, transitioning from opportunistic harvesting of rangeland goats to managed production systems. The Going Ahead with Goats (GAWG) project commenced in 2022, facilitating this transition by providing targeted extension support to landholders and the broader industry. Through extensive consultation with industry, the project delivers a suite of research, development, and extension activities aimed at improving the sustainability, productivity and profitability of the meat goat industry. The GAWG project combines traditional extension methods of knowledge dissemination such as producer groups, workshops, and field days with innovative digital platforms, including podcasts, video case studies and online discussion groups. To create landholder engagement and enhance on-farm decision-making, the project integrates advanced agricultural technologies, including satellite tracking tags, GPS collars, and satellite pasture monitoring systems, capturing real-time data on managed goat production. Despite adoption barriers such as market volatility, limited infrastructure and capacity to implement controlled mating programs, as well as labour shortages, the GAWG project has seen significant industry engagement, with over 65 western NSW goat businesses involved. These businesses are either transitioning to managed goat production enterprises or have identified an intent to transition, as well as adopt recommended management practices including; resting pastures, rotational grazing, weaning, infrastructure improvements and genetic selection decisions. This transition to managed goat production enables landholders to include goats in their overall grazing strategy, incorporating landscape management objectives such as recruitment of perennial pasture species and the control of invasive native scrub.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Additional Information
This paper is part of the larger XII International Rangelands Congress Proceedings. Page Numbers: 2042-2046. Theme: Theme 7 / Poster presentations – Theme 7
ISSN
978-0-646-72121-7
Conference Name
International Rangeland Congress
Collection
International Rangelands Congress
Keywords
Meat Goats
Rangelands
Extension Program