SA pastoralists could be missing out on high prices in the goat industry because of a clause on their leases.
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Livestock SA president Geoff Power said, under the Pastoral Act 1989, goats are deemed a feral animal and need to be kept under control by those with pastoral leases.
He said the livestock body had been in talks with the Department of Environment about what options are available.
“The pastoral act is an old act and things have changed,” he said.
“There is a market for goats so if it was simpler for pastoralists to muster them, hold them, then sell them, it’s a win-win situation.”
He said Livestock SA was hoping to enable pastoralists to hold the goats for longer, but not necessarily farm them.
He said the results of the talk were positive, but there was no immediate movement.
“It won’t happen overnight,” he said.
Goat Industry Council president Rick Gates, Burndoo Station, Wilcannia, NSW, said the industry would also like to see the act reviewed.
Mr Gates said there were benefits to managing goats in a controlled situation, in maintaining ground cover and getting rid of woody weeds.
He said much of the research and development funds at the moment were invested in increasing supply.
“If we can get the SA pastoral issues progressed, that’s got to improve supply,” he said.
Stock Journal contacted Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter about the issue but had not received a response by deadline.
Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
