Going ahead with goats Project

The NSW Government has invested $1.2 million into the goat industry through the Going Ahead with Goats Project, providing a massive boost to primary producers, as well as local communities and economies in Western NSW.

The Project is assisting goat producers and the goat industry thrive into the future, with an aim to accelerate the adoption of goat Research & Development (R&D) and grow market share, both domestically and in the export market, for Western NSW goat producers.

In the 2021-22 financial year, Australia goat exports were worth $298.6 million, with NSW goat producers supplying 64% of the goats processed nationally.

How is the Project supporting goat producers and the goat industry in Western NSW?

The Project is providing investment in research for the development of sustainable genetic improvements of goat breeds which will ensure continuity of supply and sustained commodity value for goat producers, particularly in Western NSW.

Additionally, the Project will see investment to allow for the implementation of an expansive adoption pathway by developing a community of practice, upskilling advisors, goat producers and Aboriginal land managers.

Through these initiatives, the Project will allow the goat industry to address key barriers that will allow for continued growth into the future.

Western NSW Goat Producer Groups

In late 2023, we formed 2 Western NSW Goat Producer Groups, welcoming 21 goat businesses. The groups provide members the chance to:

• learn more about goat nutrition, genetic, health and herd management
• learn from other Western NSW goat producers
• receive one-on-one business support
• attend workshops with goat production technical specialists
• be involved in benchmarking regional goat reproduction and growth rates
• attend industry field days
• tour goat handling facilities.

If you're interested in joining a Goat Producer Group, please contact Kieran Smith, Goat Advisor, via 0448 727 977 or kieran.smith@lls.nsw.gov.au.

Video case studies

We recently worked with local goat producers to create 2 video case studies, focusing on infrastructure and trapping.

Infrastructure

Trapping

Thanks to the producers who feature in these case studies for being happy to participate and share their knowledge and expertise.

I'm a goat producer outside of Western NSW, where can I access information?

This Project is primarily focused on goat producers and production in Western NSW.

For goat producers based outside of Western NSW who are looking for advice and general information, there are a number of useful resources available.

• Meat & Livestock Australia's Going into Goats guide
• Meat & Livestock Australia's Goat hub
• Goat Industry Council of Australia website.

Alternatively, goat producers can contact their regional agriculture advisor who can provide local and tailored advice. Visit our Contact Us webpage to find these contact details.

Find out more about the Going Ahead With Goats Project

You can get in touch with Kieran Smith, Goat Advisor, via 0448 727 977 or kieran.smith@lls.nsw.gov.au.

The Going Ahead with Goats Project is being delivered by Local Land Services, with support from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, through funding from the NSW Government.

Watch below to find out more.