Goat-meat producers, or anyone considering diversifying into goats, can access practical tips and tools for their businesses when Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) launches its inaugural National goat roadshow in November.
The roadshow will commence with two free producer workshops in Queensland at Barcaldine on November 8, and Charleville, on November 9.
Industry experts including MLA goat industry technical officer, Geoff Niethe, and MLA goat industry project manager, Julie Petty, will feature along with a panel of industry stakeholders, including local producers, goat processor Western Meat Exporters, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Petty said the roadshow will focus on improving on-farm practices and business management skills in the Australian goat industry, as well as profiling the range of new resources and tools produced by MLA.
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“We will also delve into the practical details of managing goats during the industry expert panel session, discussing animal health, biosecurity, selection of bucks, profitability and more,” she said.
“Providing goat-meat producers with the latest best practice information to help boost on-farm productivity and profitability is vital for the industry to help grow supply and secure its future.
“The Australian goat-meat industry in 2017 was worth over $257 million. Goat-meat production in Australia continues to steadily rise on the back of the export market,” said Petty.
“In 2017, Australian goat-meat production reached 31,414 tonnes carcase weight, with 90 per cent of that volume going to export. The US remains the key market for boxed goat-meat, accounting for 66 per cent of exports by volume in 2017,” she said.
The roadshow will further complement MLA’s suite of extension resources for goat-meat producers, which includes a new series of 10 best practice videos released in 2018.
The one-day workshops run from 9.30am to 2.30pm.