GOAT prices have slipped for the first time in 2017, but still remain at record levels.
According to a report in Meat and Livestock Australia’s Meat and Livestock Weekly newsletter the 12-16kg carcase weight indicator averaged 643c, down from the March average of 655c. Across all weight ranges this week, quotes topped at 720c.
MLA reported that for the first quarter of 2017, average weekly goat slaughter across the eastern states was 15 per cent higher year-on-year, at 44,908 head.
For the March quarter: NSW average weekly slaughter decreased 57pc year-on-year, to 2094 head; Queensland goat slaughter eased 15pc, to 10,736 head; Victorian goat slaughter lifted 62pc, to 20,751 head; and South Australia’s slaughter increased 30pc to 11,326 head, with the highest weekly goat slaughter on record registered during March at 18,081 head.
Australian goatmeat exports totalled 3967 tonnes for March, bringing the first quarter total to 10,004t, 15pc higher year-on-year. Goatmeat exports to all major export destinations increased during March with the market supported by strong overseas and domestic demand for product.
MLA reported shipments to the US totalled 3050t, up 10pc year-on-year, while exports to Canada lifted 28pc to 100t. Volumes to Japan increased 10pc to 67t, while shipments to Korea gained 11pc to 218t. The greatest shift in exports was to Taiwan, with exports reaching 461t in March, albeit off a very low base last year (78t).
