Goats on track for record slaughter in 2024

• Unprecedent supply has led to record goat slaughter numbers.

• Since 2020, goat slaughter has lifted by 266%.

• The United States was the largest market for Australian goatmeat.

After four consecutive strong seasons, an unprecedented goat supply has led to record slaughter numbers. The highest weekly slaughter on record, at 74,336 head, occurred in the week ending 30 August, and the largest monthly slaughter, at 320,347, was also recorded in August.

Year-to-date slaughter is tracking 27% above last year’s figures, suggesting that annual goat slaughter could reach new records in 2024. There are no signs of slaughter slowing before the end of the year, with a 152% year-to-date increase. Over the past four years, goat slaughter has risen by 266%. If this trend continues, goat slaughter is expected to reach record levels.

The majority of Australian goatmeat is exported, and high slaughter have driven record-breaking exports. By October, Australian exports of goatmeat reached 42,004 tonnes – 51% higher than last year and the highest on record. In the first 10 months alone, exports surpassed the totals of any previous calendar year, meaning 2024 has already set a new record for goatmeat exports.

The United States was the largest market for Australian goatmeat, with year-to-date exports doubling from 2023 (23,182 tonnes). Looking ahead, strong US demand and a general protein shortage due to ongoing herd destocking creates a promising global environment for goatmeat as we move into 2025.