Going into goats

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MLA's Going into Goats program was developed in 2006 with the launch of the Going into Goats: Profitable producers' best practice guide (GiG guide) and continues today as a delivery platform for outputs from research and development (R&D) activities for farmed and rangeland goat production systems.

Central to the program is the GiG guide, an information package designed to explain the essential processes for a successful goat production system. This applies to goat production as a standalone enterprise or as an enterprise that complements other production systems.

The GiG guide draws on the knowledge, skills and experience of more than 40 goat producers from across Australia. It provides tools and information to help goat producers increase productivity while minimising risk.

Supporting the program is the Goats on the Move eNewsletter, a quarterly email that provides tips, tools, updates, market news and case studies for subscribers.

The Going into Goats guide

The GiG Guide has 11 modules that address different aspects of the goat production system:

Module 1 - Property planning
Helps producers set clear business objectives and the strategic direction of the goat production enterprise. Download Module 1
Module 2 - Financial analysis
Establishes critical aspects for assessing the financial position of a business and analysing the financial impact of enterprise changes. Download Module 2
Module 3 - Industry obligations
Outlines the industry obligations goat producers must be aware of in relation to: Animal welfare, livestock health and disease management, sale and movement of goats, quality assurance and biosecurity. Download Module 3
Module 4 - Infrastructure
Details infrastructure associated with a goat enterprise, its design and maintenance. Download Module 4
Module 5 - Goat selection
Provides information to help producers select the best traits and goats for the ongoing productivity and profitability of the enterprise. Download Module 5
Module 6 - Husbandry
Outlines key events that occur during the goat annual husbandry cycle and provides information regarding critical issues that needs to be addressed at each stage. Download Module 6
Module 7 - Nutrition
Outlines considerations for the nutritional health of goats including nutrient requirements, feed resources and profit drivers influenced by nutrition. Download Module 7
Module 8 - Marketing
Helps producers to increase financial returns by better meeting target market specifications, exploiting market opportunities and managing the risks. Download Module 8
Module 9 - Parasite control
Details practices to manage and control internal and external parasites of goats. Download Module 9
Module 10 - Mohair production
Developed in conjunction with Mohair Australia Limited, this module outlines the knowledge and skills required to ensure profitable mohair production. Download Module 10
Module 11 - Goat depots
Goat depots consolidate significant numbers of goats for marketing purposes. This module outlines best practices for this sector of the goat industry. Download Module 11
Module 12 - Rangeland Management

This practical guide to producing goats in the rangelands is intended to assist established and potential goat producers make the most out of their operation by drawing on the experiences of some of Australia’s best rangeland producers. Download Module 12 or view online www.rangelandgoats.com.au

How to order the manual

Producers can access the individual modules above for free or they can order a hard copy of the manual.

The eNewsletter

The Goats on the Move eNewsletter supports the broader program and provides subscribers with a quarterly update on practical R&D outcomes and how these can be applied on-farm. The eNewsletter draws together tips, tools, insights, updates, market news, developments in domestic and international goat marketing and case studies.

Subscribe to the Goats on the move eNewsletter

Australian Goat Industry RD&E Strategy – 2012

To support the continued growth of this sector and help underpin the investment that many producers are making in the industry, MLA has released and will be implementing the Australian Goat Industry RD&E Strategy (2012) (PDF 1.52 MB).

Events and activities

Through a dedicated extension program and as part of the Going into Goats program, MLA supports producer and organisation-initiated events throughout Australia. Through these events, MLA seeks to engage with producers through sessions addressing the principles, practices and tools included in the Going into Goats program.

Check the MLA events calendar for upcoming goat events and activities

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