Goats have two main roles in the rangelands; woody weed management and diversification of income (meat, fibre production). Goat stocking is one option within a policy of integrated woody weed management. Goats readily defoliate some woody weeds, especially when pasture biomass is low, offering an alternative to management burning. A strategy of goat stocking for areas dominated by Dodonaea attenuata is discussed. The gross margin of a goat enterprise used to manage woody weeds, estimated at $7.90 /ha, generates an internal rate of return of approximately 19% over a ten year period. However, a greater understanding of the ecology of rangeland plants is needed to confidently develop stocking strategies that manage woody weeds without causing permanent pasture damage. A stronger marketing framework, particularly for goat meat, is required to stabilise the market and improve prices.
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.