Goat slaughter rises, while exports decline

Average weekly eastern states goat slaughter in July was 9% higher year-on-year, at 18,774 head. NSW registered the largest rise for the month – more than doubling year-ago levels – at 3,992 head processed per week on average. Goat slaughter in SA and Victoria lifted 41% and 59%, averaging 4,825 head and 5,416 head per week, respectively. Queensland slaughter in July dropped 47% year-on-year, to average 4,541 head per week, due to the temporary closure of a major processing facility.

Export over-the-hook goat indicators remained at record levels during July, at 574¢ (for 12-16kg cwt), up 132¢/kg cwt year-on-year.

Australian goatmeat exports in July totalled 918 tonnes swt, 13% lower year-on-year, bringing the year-to-date volume to 15,100 tonnes swt, down 5% on the corresponding period last year. Shipments to all major goatmeat export destinations eased year-on-year:

• Exports to the US and Canada were both 23% lower, at 480 tonnes swt and 33 tonnes swt, respectively
• Exports to Taiwan slipped 17%, to 153 tonnes swt
• Volumes to the Caribbean decreased 34%, to 137 tonnes swt
• Shipments to the Korea eased 68%, to 19 tonnes swt