Goat prices take a dip, while supplies lift

In April, over-the-hook goat indicators eased slightly from the previous month, averaging 648¢ (12-16kg cwt), though remaining 122¢/kg cwt higher year-on-year. So far in May however, prices have bounced back, with the indicator averaging at 658¢/kg cwt.

Supplies lifted during April, with the average weekly goat slaughter across the eastern states 9% higher year-on-year, at 36,843 head. In April:

• NSW average weekly slaughter decreased 78% year-on-year, to 1,153 head
• Queensland slaughter eased 31%, to 9,122 head
• SA slaughter lifted 69%, to 9,999 head
• Victorian goat slaughter increased 78%, to 16,566 head

Australian goatmeat exports totalled 2,950 tonnes swt in April, up 15% year-on-year. Compared to February and March, however, goatmeat exports have tightened –  a typical seasonal trend which continues into winter. Goatmeat exports to most major destinations lifted during April:

• Shipments to the US totalled 2,223 tonnes swt, up 24% year-on-year
• Volumes to Taiwan increased 4% to 353 tonnes swt
• Exports to Korea lifted 16% to 178 tonnes swt, while shipments to Japan totalled 28 tonnes swt, up 28% year-on-year
• Volumes to the Caribbean decreased 13% to 86 tonnes swt
• Exports to Canada eased 8%, totalling 68 tonnes swt