A new start for the Kiwi goat industry

Is this a sign that the goat industry is poised for a comeback, and can its products of meat and fiber compete with the upsurge of profits gained by the sheep sector?

From my little knowledge of farming goats the challenge will be to fit them into farming systems as a complementary animal in our pastoral systems. Their preference for fiber in the diet and lack of interest for clover must fit them into many pastoral systems to attack weedy species and leave the quality legumes for other species growth rates.

The vulnerability to internal parasites and feet issues in intensive systems may limit their growth in this area, but with genetic selection aiming at improving this, opportunities could be created to improve per hectare profitability.

Federated Farmers (Mohair New Zealand), is pleased with its allocation from the former goat levy. The Federation’s Goat Industry Group, believes it is best placed to represent all aspects of the New Zealand Goat industry.  The Federation wishes to make a positive difference to the farmability of goats in New Zealand, by assisting all others who received an allocation.

“This last disbursement of the former goat levy to our project and four others, represents a brand new start for the New Zealand goat industry,” says John Woodward, Chairperson of Federated Farmers Goats. “We’ve got to stand on our own two feet but we also know goat meat is the world’s fourth most consumed meat.  We believe $7 a kilogram for kid quality goat meat is now achievable. “What’s more, goat fibres,  like Mohair and Cashmere, are now in critical short supply globally.  As such, they represent some of the most prized fibres on earth so we’ve got big potential to become a much larger industry.

“Federated Farmers own project is being run through Mohair New Zealand in partnership with AgResearch. “We’re looking into how the CarLA (Carbohydrate Larvel Antigen) saliva test can be adapted to goats. “If proven commercially, the farming of goats will become more productive and profitable. The goal is to grow the industry with goats that have enhanced farmability factors.  We’re talking about factors such as weight gain, fleece weights and much less pasture contamination from internal parasites.

“Our initial testing showed there were goats with a positive reaction to the CarLA test.  We’re now keen to prove its commercial application through buck performance schemes.  This will help select better goat genetics with greater resistance to parasites.