GOAT export prices continue to surge ahead, but the recent wet conditions have slowed suppliers’ ability to muster rangeland goats.
Over-the-hook export prices for eastern states reaching a top of 580 cents a kilogram carcase weight and averaging around 560c/kg cwt for June 17 had goat producers smiling, but the wet weather has caused a lull in supply.
But this seasonal slow-down is to be expected.
According to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), average weekly slaughter numbers slipped 19 per cent during May year-on-year, to 17,816 head.
Australian goatmeat exports during May lifted 10 per cent year-on-year, to 1934 tonnes shipped weight. Year-to-date volumes were similar to the same period last year, at 13,243t swt.
Australia exports most of its goatmeat to the US, which in May took 68pc of Australia’s exports, or 1310t swt.
Julie Petty, MLA goat industry project manager, said it was normal for supply numbers to drop during winter months and wet conditions.
“The rain usually affects transport. It is a challenge for the industry,” she said.
Ms Petty said the recent downturn in supply has lasted longer than usual, possibly due to the fact some producers are keeping underweight animals for longer to put condition on them.
The effect of the wet weather on supply was echoed by goat depot owners.
Rob Newton, depot owner at Summerville Partnership between Bourke and Brewarrina, who has about 150,000 goats come through his facility a year, said he believes the downturn in supply is seasonal.
He said after rain, goats often don’t rely on coming to waterholes for a drink, and therefore spread out across large areas.
“The goats govern how many come out of the bush,” he said.
Mr Newton, who buys goats on a liveweight basis from suppliers within a 200-kilometre radius and then sells them to processors, said the wet weather prevents those mustering goats on motorbikes from reaching them and trucks from transporting the goats to depots.
Mr Newton said despite the effect on supply, he believes it is beneficial for the goats to have a rest from being mustered.
“It gives them a spell. It can replenish the herds,” he said.
Managing director of Gateway Livestock in Dubbo, Tony White, agreed the wet weather had a big part to play in the supply shortage.
Mr White, who has been running his depot for two years, said the goats will drink out of puddles, and then go out to graze during the day.
“The general and widespread rain out west has scattered the goats. They don’t tend to come to dams. They have a spread on,” he said.
“Also people tend not to catch them when it is wet.”
Mr White agreed the lull in mustering will give the goats a chance to breed.
“The goats are getting a little rest,” he said.
