G.O.A.T (greatest of all time) production of goatmeat

27 Feb 2026

Key points

Australian goatmeat production exceeded 60,000 tonnes for the first time in 2025.
More than four million goats were processed in 2025.
New production records were set in NSW and Victoria, with strong surges in SA and WA.

Australian goatmeat production reached new highs in 2025. Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data highlighted that 2025 was the strongest on record for the industry.

Total goatmeat production surpassed 60,000 tonnes for the first time – reaching 63,672 tonnes. This represents an increase of approximately 9,250 tonnes (or 17%) on 2024 levels, which had previously held the production record.

The production lift was driven by record processing volumes. In 2025, 3.95 million adult goats were processed. When kids are included, total throughput exceeded four million head, marking an all-time high. These figures highlight not only the availability of supply, but also a strong and sustained demand for goatmeat.

Throughout 2025, several processors in the small-stock sector, who were facing limited lamb and mutton availability, increased their focus on goats. This transition has continued into 2026, underpinning firm processor demand and supporting elevated prices across the goat market. This shift has supported the growth seen in production.

Quarterly data has reinforced the strength of the sector. In the December quarter of 2025, Australia produced 18,316 tonnes of goatmeat – the highest quarterly output on record – up from approximately 16,000 tonnes in the September 2025 quarter.

Production growth for the quarter was widespread across Australia:

NSW exceeded 4,000 tonnes for the second consecutive quarter – reinforcing its position as a key production state.
WA produced 308 tonnes – an increase of more than 100 tonnes on 2024 levels.
SA recorded a sharp surge, producing 916 tonnes – more than triple the 2024 output and more than double the previous quarter.
Victoria broke through the 8,000 tonne mark for the first time.
Queensland production remained stable above 4,000 tonnes.

Collectively, these results demonstrate the Australian goat industry is performing strongly across all regions. New records in NSW and Victoria, combined with rapid growth in SA and WA, demonstrate that producers are actively turning off goats where supply is available – encouraged by the current strong prices.

With processor demand firm and production momentum carrying into 2026, the Australian goat industry enters 2026 in good shape. Especially encouraging is that prices remain relatively high despite record production being achieved.

Attribute content to: Stephen Bignell, MLA Manager – Market Information.

Information is correct at time of publication 27 February 2026.

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