High demand for goatmeat continues

Eastern states export goat rates during February increased 134¢ year-on-year to average the unprecedented 648¢/kg cwt (12-16kg cwt), highlighting the global appetite for Australian goatmeat.

Lured by the higher prices, eastern states average weekly goat slaughter during February lifted 27% year-on-year, to 46,542 head. The majority of states recorded a lift in slaughter:

• Queensland increased 2% to 11,329 head year-on-year
• SA lifted 16% to 9,252 head
• Victoria goat slaughter was 64% higher year-on-year to 22,016 head. With the third week in February being the third highest weekly slaughter recorded in Victoria since MLA began reporting
• NSW decreased 9% to 3,944 head

This is particularly encouraging news for producers, as the higher production combined with rising A$ did little to dampen prices.

Australian goatmeat exports totalled 3,174 tonnes swt in February, up 5% year-on-year and over the course of the last five years goatmeat exports have increased 27%.

The lift in exports illustrates the demand for goatmeat globally, especially in the US with exports in February up 26% year-on-year, to 2,502 tonnes swt. Shipments to Taiwan were relatively unchanged year-on-year at 237 tonnes swt, while volumes to Korean eased 32%, to 139 tonnes swt.