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 will assist 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 will the project support goat producers and the goat industry in Western NSW?
The Going Ahead with Goats Project will provide investment into 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 also 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 Going Ahead with Goats Project will allow the goat industry to address key barriers that will allow for continued growth into the future.
Opportunity for postgraduate studies in goat production
We are on the lookout for students to undertake postgraduate studies in goat production, with financial support for honours and masters students available for 2023/24 and 2024/25. Topics include:
- monitoring pre-mating liveweight and body condition score in does for relationships with fertility and litter size
- evaluation of udder and teat conformation in meat goats
- grazing management of goats in extensive management systems
- eating quality of goat meat.
Research will be undertaken in collaboration with project partners, NSW Department of Primary Industries.
If you're interested in working in an industry that values research and development, make contact today with Gemma Turnbull, Team Leader Agriculture, via gemma.turnbull@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0409 500 581, or speak to your preferred university.
Western NSW Goat Producer Groups
The first Western NSW Goat Producer Group meeting was held in early November 2023 in Cobar and Bourke.
Attendees got an update on past, current and future research projects happening in the industry, while also sharing knowledge about their own goat enterprises and how the current market and seasonal conditions are impacting their operations and the industry more broadly.
In total, 21 goat businesses are involved through our two Goat Producer Groups, which 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 invovled 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.
I'm a goat producer outside of Western NSW, where can I access information?
The Going Ahead with Goats 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 Local Land Services 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.