Project overview
The NSW Government has invested $1.2 million in the Going Ahead with Goats Project to boost the goat industry in Western NSW by:
- accelerating the adoption of goat research and development findings
- increasing the industry’s market share, both in Australia and overseas
- supporting goat producers to improve their productivity, sustainability and profitability.
Project background
Goat production is an important industry in Western NSW. In 2021–22, Australia’s goat exports were worth $298.6 million, with NSW producers supplying 64% of the goats processed nationally.
- In 2023, Australia exported 33,891 tonnes of goatmeat, valued at $237.5 million, to more than 20 destinations around the world.
- Australian goatmeat exports for 2023 reached their second highest volume on record for the calendar year since 2014.
- Western NSW regions including Cobar, Bourke, Wilcannia and Broken Hill supplied the largest number of goats to processors in 2022.
The project builds on this strong base, helping producers to remain not only competitive and sustainable in the future, but increase their productivity and market share.
Project delivery
The project will provide opportunities and support to producers by:
- investing in research that focuses on sustainable genetic improvements
- upskilling advisors, goat producers, goat operators and stakeholders.
Work underway
Western NSW Goat Producer Groups
Two groups were formed in late 2023, welcoming 21 businesses. Members benefit from:
- workshops
- one-on-one support
- opportunities to learn about nutrition, genetics, herd management, and infrastructure.
Members can also benchmark growth rates, attend field days, and tour handling facilities.
Podcast series
The ‘Pastoral Poddy’ podcast features a ‘Going Ahead with Goat’ series. In this series, goat producers, depot operators and technical experts provide their insights, experiences and advice on goat production and the industry in Western NSW. You can find the series wherever you get your podcasts or by visiting the Pastoral Poddy webpage.
Project videos
Local Land Services' project videos provide practical advice from Western NSW goat producers and technical experts. Thanks to the producers who feature.
Videos cover breeding management of goats and the infrastructure and trapping videos below.
Measured Goats Project
Local Land Services is working with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to deliver the Measured Goats project. Learn more about the Measured Goats project.
Information for goat producers outside of Western NSW
If you are a goat producer outside Western NSW, you can find information and guidance through:
- Meat & Livestock Australia’s Going into Goats guide
- Meat & Livestock Australia’s Goat hub
- Goat Industry Council of Australia
You can also contact your regional agriculture advisor for local support.
Find out what's happening in the Western region

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- Follow Local Land Services Western on Facebook.
- View our events page to see what's happening near you.
Funding and partnerships
The Going Ahead with Goats Project is being delivered by Local Land Services, with support from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, through funding from the NSW Government.
For more information, contact:
Kieran Smith, Goat Advisor
Phone: 0448 727 977
Email: kieran.smith@lls.nsw.gov.au
Contact Local Land Services NSW
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