The Goat Report has been following a number of big stories in recent months. A new requirement by Malaysian authorities for all imported livestock to test negative for Q fever cause the goat industry some anxiety in March, as did tumbling export goatmeat prices. We have since reported some recovery and our May 15 issue analysed the chicken-and-egg relationship between prices and likely supply in coming months.
Our May 15 issue also featured our comprehensive report of Dubbo's quarterly Goat Sale, which presented almost every different breed and class of goat to a big field of buyers. Also this month, with the industry rocked by the loss of both an export processor and operator, the Goat Report explores alternative markets. Several articles in April and May described key developments in several states all aimed at progressing the domestic goatmeat market. At the opposite end however is Sydney's massive backyard trade, uncovered in a special report in the April 30 issue.
A total of almost 100,000 kilograms of Australian mohair was offered at auctions this month, and both May issues included sale reports as well as analyses. The Goat Report has also been investigating some of the issues which will impact the mohair sector in the longer term, and hope to present findings in an upcoming issue.
Our special series on ways to identify and select superior breeding goats concluded with articles in the March 31 and April 15 issues on Measured performance and Understanding EBVs.
Finally....... Yes, the 2008 Goat Buyer's Guide, which lists sale lines from some of Australia's top boer, rangeland, angora and cashmere breeders, is still available. Simply contact the AGR for your free copy (strictly while stocks last).