There have traditionally been very few opportunities for goats to be traded through saleyards with most goats sold direct; however, this is gradually changing. Dubbo in Central West New South Wales plays host to one of the largest saleyard goat sales in the country. Held quarterly, the sale provides an opportunity for live marketing of goats and gives a very public indication of market values and opportunities.
Joe Portelli of agents PT Lord Dakin & Associates, Dubbo, organises the sale and said the sale is well attended by a number of regular buyers including: Western Exporters, Charleville, Queensland; Norvic Food Processing, Wodonga, Victoria; and Thomas Foods International, Wallangara, Queensland, each purchasing animals for export markets. These buyers see the sale as a good opportunity to top up export orders.
There are also a number of buyers from Sydney and Canberra who are looking for goats to match the specifications of city-based customers, including restaurants and retail outlets. These domestic buyers are primarily in the market for Boer wethers between 25 and 45 kg liveweight.
Mr Portelli pointed out that while goats are generally presented well by producers, there have been some problems in the past including goats arriving on trucks without correctly completed NVDs or goat health statements and without an approved NLIS devise.
“The sale presents a great opportunity for producers to tap into demand from export and domestic buyers, including restockers, but the paperwork and eartags have to be right – get this wrong and this could cost you a lot of money. We are seeing more and more buyers walk past pens where producers have not got it right,” Joe said.
It is important to remember that the same sale requirements apply to goats that apply to sheep. If you are selling goats interstate, you also need to be familiar with the requirements of that state.
More information
- LPA NVD/Waybills
- NLIS Sheep and Goats
- Dubbo goat sales: Joe Portelli, phone 02 6882 3444 or mobile 0418 835 464.