MEAT & Livestock Australia market information manager Ben Thomas says the high price of goat meat is unlikely to come off in a significant way anytime soon.
“There are a couple of things that could put pressure on prices,” he said.
“If supplies ramp up after a really good winter and spring, it could add pressure.
“If there was an unexpected strengthening of the Australian dollar, that would also add pressure.
“But where we are at present, in a very strong market, it would take something significant to occur for prices to lose too much ground.”
Mr Thomas said Australian goat prices had been on a steady climb in recent years, due to a combination of factors, with levels hitting $6.50 a kilogram carcaseweight this week.
“Most of the meat is exported so the $A being a lot lower than what it was a few years ago has helped,” he said.
“The United States is the biggest destination for goat meat, so having the $A at US 75 cents puts us in a good position.”
Mr Thomas said the supply of goats had also been tighter this year, on the back of some fairly heavy harvesting in previous years.
“The availability of goats has been much lower than what it was in 2015, especially through the winter months,” he said.
“Supply has picked up a bit recently, but is still tight.
Mr Thomas said the industry had been in a replenishment period this year.
“Tight availability and a strong international market have helped boost prices,” he said.
