Goats are the future. Forget about cattle and sheep; those are so last decade (we’re joking!). The global goat population has surged by 19.3% between 2006 and 2016, while their bovine and ovine cousins lagged behind at a mere 6.7% and 6.8%. And guess who’s riding this goat wave all the way to the bank? Australia.
The Australian Goat Meat Industry
Profitability and Production in Australia
Australia’s northern semi-arid rangelands have become a goat paradise. While Australians themselves aren’t exactly clamouring for goat meat at the dinner table, the nation has turned these resilient creatures into a booming export business.
Export Markets and Free Trade Agreements
Though a small producer of goat meat (or “chevon” for the connoisseurs), Australia stands as the world’s largest exporter. Free trade agreements have opened doors to the United States, the Republic of Korea, and even China. Tariffs are virtually nonexistent in key markets.
Trends and Implications
Price Fluctuations and Global Demand
Prices have dipped since June 2022, but this is no cause for alarm. With global demand on the rise, Australia’s goat meat exports are poised for growth. It’s a classic economic scenario, with a unique goat twist.
Record Value of Exports
2021–22 was a banner year for Australian goat meat, peaking at a cool A$296.7 million. The US, Republic of Korea, Canada, and Taiwan are all getting in on the action. North America’s appetite for goat meat is only expected to grow, thanks to health-conscious consumers and changing tastes.
Health Benefits and Consumer Preferences
Lean, low in fat, and accepted across religions, goat meat is becoming a popular choice. Even China’s hopping on the bandwagon, with a 0% tariff making it an attractive option.
Australia's Live Goat Exports
Live goat exports have seen better days, but not everything can be a winner. Malaysia remains the main destination, but its share has dropped significantly.
Australia's Role in Global Goat Meat Production
Australia’s global goat game is strong, accounting for 45% of the world’s US$437.6 million goat meat exports. Ethiopia and the EU are trailing behind, but with Australia’s average unit export price at US$11.97/kg, it’s playing in the big leagues.
Australian Goat Meat Production Details
Semi-wild rangeland production dominates, but managed goat meat production is on the rise. Most goats hail from New South Wales, but Victoria is the processing kingpin.
Goat Meat Processing Software
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Goats are no longer just quirky stars of viral videos; they’re a serious business, and Australia’s leading the charge. With a keen eye on global trends and a knack for turning adversity into opportunity, the Australian goat meat industry is one to watch.
Questions? Our Solutions Team is available for you.
Resources
For those of you who can’t get enough of goats (and who can blame you?), check out the Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA), Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), and AUS-MEAT. They’ve got all the goat goodies you could ever want.
