Push to allow farming of feral goats in SA to sell their meat
FERAL goats are a huge problem in north of SA, but is there a big export opportunity we’re missing? Landowners want to farm them for their meat — which brings big prices.
PASTORALISTS want regulations on the farming of feral goats to be changed in a bid to better control the growing number of the animals and allow them to capitalise on high prices for their meat.
Livestock SA president Geoff Power said changes would allow farmers to eradicate thousands of the pests — estimated to be as high as 350,000 in the Mid North and Flinders Ranges.
“In most other states, feral goat numbers are down, but in SA the numbers are up and we’re noticing them right through all the pastoral areas,” Mr Power said.
“Goats are a pest, but their price is also very good — sheep are selling very well, but goats are selling even better and it’s the most eaten red meat in the world.”
Mr Power said goat was a lucrative market for farmers. Last week, goat tipped $6.50 per kilo, compared to lamb prices which were about $5.80 per kilo.
The issue prompted a meeting in Port August last week between pastoralists, the SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board and environmentalists.
Currently, legislation only allowed feral goats to be a holding yard for six weeks before they have to be transported for slaughter.
Mr Power told The Advertiser farmers wanted to be able to fence off a larger paddock to hold goats for a longer period until they had enough numbers for transport.
“We recognise it would have an impact on the environment, but overall the environment would be enhanced because we’re taking goats away from it,” he said.
“It’s a win for pastoralists because they’re being paid for goats, a win for the environment and a win for the state because it will create employment and income.”
Asked if he supported the proposed reforms, Leigh Creek herder Glen Freebairn said “hell yes”.
“We never keep them for six weeks, it’s usually only one or two weeks, but as long as they have shade, water and tucker, I have no problems at all,” he said.
“Keeping them fed is the main thing.”
Stuart MP Dan van Holst Pellekaan, who attended the meeting, said there was a general consensus regulations should change.
“Everyone wanted to reduce the number of feral goats in the pastoral area — whether it be to the extreme to get rid of them entirely, or make them farmed like sheep and cows,” he said.
“They’re trying to identify common ground (for changes) and it may be enough to put together suggested changes to legislation early in the New Year.”
Mr van Holst Pellekaan’s Stuart electorate covers the northeast part of the state where goats are rife.
