July goat slaughter and exports fall
During July, average weekly goat slaughter, reported by MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service, decreased 68% year-on-year, to 17,190 head. Since the commencement of winter, slaughter levels have been steadily falling, with all states showing a decrease.
NSW average weekly slaughter slipped 24% during the month, to 1,778 head, while in Queensland slaughter levels declined 47%, compared to last year, to 8,581 head. SA and Victorian weekly slaughter levels decreased 78% and 82% year-on-year, to 3,433 head and 3,398 head, respectively.
The tighter supply has assisted goat export over-the-hook indicators to remain at record levels in July, averaging 442¢/kg cwt (12-16kg cwt), 36% higher year-on-year.
As a result of the decline in slaughter, goatmeat exports in July dropped to the lowest monthly volume since January 2009, at 1,324 tonnes swt – 63% lower year-on-year (Department of Agriculture).
- Shipments to the US totalled 625 tonnes swt, a 69% reduction year-on-year.
- Volumes to China decreased 58%, to 59 tonnes swt, while shipments to Taiwan eased 44%, to 184 tonnes swt.
- Exports to Korea dropped 69%, to 59 tonnes swt.
- Volumes to Canada decreased 80% on the corresponding month last year, to 43 tonnes swt.
