Goatmeat leads global markets, while producers lament low prices

Goat slaughter numbers have surged to new heights as global demand continues, while graziers hope to see better prices at the farmgate.

Rising export demand, herd increases and volatile weather has surged goat slaughter numbers to new heights.

Meat and Livestock Australia recorded significant year-on-year slaughter increases across most states with NSW (17.41 per cent), Queensland (21 per cent) and South Australia (178 per cent), while Victoria had a 15 per cent drop.

MLA market information analyst Emily Tan said there had been a 43 per cent increase in goat slaughter numbers, with 67,000 killed a week.

“Earlier in the year we were breaking records almost every week, at just under 80,000 head a week. In 2025 the highest slaughter count we saw was in early March at 78,500 head,” she said.

“At the moment we don’t know how big our goat population is, so when you see slaughters spike like this it shows we’ve had some really good seasons.”

Ms Tan said over the hook prices trended about 20c/kg lower for most weight ranges, with potentially better processor interest in heavy mutton.

Goat meat producers Olivia and Ian Pearce, from Morangarell, NSW, had recently trucked 50 goats to their closest feasible facility at Nyngan, a 354km trip.

He said they hoped to see export opportunities open closer to home.

“From our perspective, if the market price doesn’t change, it could cut down our transport costs if we get an export place nearby. We’d like to see the market increase, as would everyone,” Mr Pearce said.

“We’re running out of feed, we’re hand feeding at the moment, conditions have been dry and we haven’t had any substantial rain since October-November last year.”

They started farming goats about four years ago, when the goat market was “exceptional” and they wanted to clear country. Mr Pearce said they had grown their herd to 300.

“Our exports are still quite high, we seem to be exporting more than ever, but the prices are no good,” he said.

“Last time we paid for freight, it was about $6 a kilometre, and when you’re getting $1.10 a kilo for a 30kg liveweight goat, it doesn’t make any financial sense.”

An MLA global goatmeat report said production continued to lead global trade with 51,489 tonnes shipped overseas.

The United States remained Australia’s top market, with South Korea, mainland China, Taiwan and the Caribbean following.