PRICES skyrocketed for goats in the small yarding of some 500 head at Tuesday's Dubbo goat sale rebounding in value by as much as $140 to $150 across the board.
The lower numbers yarded plus the exceptional season, and high carcase prices for goats have all played a part in the renaissance, according to PT Lord, Dakin agent and goat specialist Joe Portelli, Dubbo.
"The market was very dear compared to the previous sale in February where among the 1100 head, Boer does were averaging $110, restocker lightweights $25 cheaper and kill goats $10 to $15 dearer," Mr Portelli said.
"There was a lot of restocker activity and interest in the sale for young, small and kill goats which hampered butcher activity due to the increase in prices adding to the dearer market," Mr Portelli said.
"They just couldn't compete against the restockers and there would be goat producers disappointed they were not vendors."
Australian Bush billies could have been $50 better and bush nannies $40 to $50 dearer, according to Mr Portelli.
"Boer wethers could have been $150 dearer and topped at $440, while Boer nannies sold $140 to $150 better making up to $340," he said. "Back in February Boer does topped at $215, averaging $110, while kids sold from $20 to $72, averaging $50."
Mr Portelli said there was big demand for female goats from restockers from the Western Division while competition on feedlot wether goats to go on feed was also strong.
The current hook price at up to 850 to 900 cents a kilogram is better than lamb and it could be said Tuesday's result was a grass-driven market.
"It all puts a whole new look on the goat industry."
Among the top Boer does was a pen of 43 six-year-olds from Chris Paterson and family, Magpie Hill, Mudgee, which sold at $340 each.
Jenny Jones, Mullally, sold 53 yearling Boer wethers for $350 a head. Adam Selby, Ilford, sold 16 Bush bucks one-and-a-half years for $215 each while his female portion sold at $170 a head.
The Smart family, Trangie, sold four restocker Bush/Boer bucks for $310/head. Cumnock breeders, the Turner family gained $340 a head for 12 Boer wethers eight to nine months.