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In this episode, host Kieran Smith from Western Local Land Services talks with Professor Pete McGilchrist from the University of New England about recent insights from the world’s largest goat meat science research project conducted in NSW. They discuss the challenges and opportunities within the goat meat industry, intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting meat quality and what can be learned from the lamb and beef meat industries. Professor McGilchrist provides actionable insights on how farmers can improve the quality of their goat meat and some simple changes that the supply chain can also implement to transform the perception of goat meat both locally and globally.  The episode also touches on the importance of reducing stress in animals pre-slaughter, the impact of diet and genetics on meat quality, and the potential for market differentiation based on meat traits. (00:00) Intro to High Production Costs in Red Meat (05:48) Public Perception of Red Meat (10:06) Factors Influencing Meat Quality (16:31) Impact of Stress and Handling on Meat Quality (20:39) Challenges in the Livestock Selling System (24:05) Introduction to the Goat Meat Science Trial (29:19) Findings from the Goat Meat Science Trial (38:10) Choosing the Right Animals Within Breeds (42:07) Improving Meat Tenderness Through Aging (45:53) Genetic Selection for Better Production (50:07) Flavor Profiles and Consumer Perception (53:06) Future Research and Industry Improvements (01:02:05) Predictions for the Goat Industry's Future For more information: Follow Dr. Pete McGilchrist on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/peter-mcgilchrist-71a8ba285/ Going Ahead with Goats Project - lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project KIDPLAN - sheepgenetics.org.au/resources/kidplan/ For a transcript of this episode:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l3e986t7J-Qjr-BIE7XtTb3hqQAOXmhxiJlOWfRnlec/edit?usp=drive_link This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

In this episode of the Going Ahead with Goats podcast, host Kieren Smith interviews Jack Hammond, who entered the goat industry five years ago after purchasing Ashleigh Downs Station. They discuss Jack’s journey from mustering to managing a 52,000-acre station, trading, and finishing smaller goats alongside a meat sheep enterprise. Jack shares insights into infrastructure, labor strategies, and market fluctuations. He also emphasises learning from experience, utilising available resources, and the benefits of working with both sheep and goats. Key topics include rotational grazing, handling techniques, and preparing for the evolving goat industry.  Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Jack Hammond For more information: Going ahead with goats Project - Local Land Services - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project The Going into Goats guide | Meat & Livestock Australia For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QRTme3XtB7F5-H7QW5cN4EFMcUrVFAo/view?usp=sharing  This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

This episode looks at what carbon emissions means for landholders in the rangelands. We learn about how it affects market access, what ways you could see a premium, and how it affects agricultural productivity. There are many questions in the region about rangeland carbon emissions, listen in to hear expert insights into how carbon is cycled in Western NSW.   Thank you to our guests who featured in this episode:   John Gavin – Director, Remarkable NRM Jessica Rigg – Biotechnology and Partnership Lead – Select Carbon Steven Hobbs – Farmer and Director, Yarrock Bioenergy   For more information: For further information about Natural Capital - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capital and On Farm Carbon Advice: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/climate/Low-emissions-agriculture John Gavin – Remarkable NRM website - ⁠https://remarkablenrm.com.au/about-john/  ⁠   Steven Hobbs - Yarrock Website - https://www.yarrock.com/ AIA Environmental Accounting Platform - https://www.aiaeap.com/ This podcast is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government.

This episode looks at natural capital and what it means for landholders in the rangelands. We learn about the new Nature Repair Market, ways to measure natural capital, and what some of the drivers for investment are. Tune in to learn more about expert insights into the benefits and challenges of natural capital.  Thank you to our guests who featured in this episode: John Gavin – Director, Remarkable NRM Debbie Dowden – Director, Challa Pastoral For more information: For further information about Natural Capital - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capital and access to the Natural Capital Service Finder: https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capital/natural-capital-service-finder John Gavin - NRM website - ⁠https://remarkablenrm.com.au/about-john/⁠  Debbie Dowden - Challa Station Website - https://challastation.com/ This podcast is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government.

In this episode of the Going Ahead with Goats podcast series, host Kieran Smith chats with Kathryn Dawson, a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland, about the impact of gastrointestinal nematodes (worms) on goat health and productivity. Kathryn shares her research on worm prevalence across different goat production systems in Queensland and New South Wales, the challenges of drench resistance, and sustainable parasite control strategies. She also covers worm-related production losses, the differences between sheep and goat worm burdens, and effective testing methods. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice on parasite management and biosecurity for goat producers. If you are interested in getting involved with the gastrointestinal worm surveillance project in Western NSW, get in touch with Western Local Land Services via 1300 795 299 or [email protected]. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Kathryn Dawson For more information: Going ahead with goats Project - Local Land Services - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats - Rangelands - WormBoss - https://wormboss.com.au/goatsrangelands/#:~:text=This%20is%20an%20up-to-date%2C%20integrated%20regional%20worm%20control,for%20goats%20in%20the%20Rangelands%20regions%20of%20Australia. Drench groups and actives - https://tools.wormboss.com.au/sheep-goats/tests-tools/management-tools/drenches/drench-groups-and-actives.php For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QRTme3XtB7F5-H7QW5cN4EFMcUrVFAo/view?usp=sharing  This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

In this episode of 'Going Ahead with Goats,' host Kieran Smith chats with Trudie Atkinson, Technical Specialist for Grazing Systems with  NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development . They discuss what it is about goats that makes them so well adapted to grazing in Western NSW landscapes as well as grazing management strategies. Trudie shares insights about goat grazing preferences and diet selection, and factors to consider when monitoring goat paddocks, as well as trigger points for decision making. This episode is an excellent resource for land managers wanting to improve their goat grazing management . Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Trudie Atkinson For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project  module7-nutrition-mar2019-web.pdf (mla.com.au) For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14pv0sk5pHlSaHQKoS2Yp667G5FGVy93C/view?usp=sharing  This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

In this episode of 'Going Ahead with Goats,' host Kieran Smith chats with Tanisha Shields from Agrista. They discuss cost of production, characteristics of top-performing goat enterprises, and benchmarking benefits. Tanisha shares insights from her work, highlighting how genetic improvements, efficient grazing management, and record-keeping can increase the profitability of goat enterprises. They also cover labor efficiency and capital investment in goat operations. This episode provides invaluable information for goat producers aiming to improve profitability and optimize the efficiency of their business. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Tanisha Shields For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project  Agrista - https://www.agrista.com.au/  Cost of Production Calculator | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) Goat Productivity and Profitability report -  b.goa.1903-appendix-1-.pdf (mla.com.au) For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18sR324z-dr-Rr44EksB6OmSSmpigSbjd/view?usp=sharing This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

In this podcast episode, host Kieren Smith discusses the rapid genetic gains in goat farming with James Nalder, who, along with his wife Emma, ventured into commercial goat farming in 2020. The episode covers James' involvement with the Kids Plus Project, data collection using EID tags, pregnancy scanning, worm control, and goat management practices at their property near Coonamble, NSW. James shares his insights on the advantages of goat farming, the importance of controlled breeding, and the future potential of the goat industry. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: James Nalder For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project  Kids + | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) - https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/livestock-production/reproductive-efficiency/kids-producers/  For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hHa0ibwPinZ8vQNEvqFhnPj8Yur3cLfd/view?usp=sharing  This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

This episode looks at the benefits of using goats for landscape management at Etiwanda Station, in Western New South Wales. Join host Kieren Smith and farmer Andrew Mosey as they discuss running goats alongside cattle and sheep to diversify income and regenerate the land using holistic grazing methods. Discover insights into goat breeding, electric fencing, and rotational systems, along with practical tips for managing worms and handling goats with working dogs. This episode offers valuable advice for both experienced and aspiring goat producers. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Andrew Mosely For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project Etiwanda Station - https://www.etiwanda.com.au/  For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LwGjy7yUH0UGVqPAzTmUr9Q-6p9F2y-z/view?usp=sharing  This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

This episode of the Going Ahead with Goats podcast series, hosted by Kieren Smith, features Paul Leonard, the National Livestock Manager at Thomas Foods International (TFI). Learn about TFI's operations at the Bourke Abattoir, goat meat processing, market demands, supply chain complexities, and export strategies. We discover some challenges faced in managing labor, logistics, and the impact of fencing programs. Join us in the conversation about the importance of sustainability, consumer preferences, and future opportunities in the goat meat industry. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Paul Leonard For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project Thomas Foods International - https://thomasfoods.com/  For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ro3FHlvOlqo8gk2So9OFKeJy2xHp3mYw/view?usp=sharing  This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

With rising cost of production and increasing land values, the cost price squeeze is continuing in agriculture. There is pressure to increase productivity and profitability within all livestock industries and breeding and genetics is one way to improve this. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Tom Granleese, a research officer in quantitative genetics with the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Tom is the project lead for the Measured Goats project, which is likely to become the largest goat genetics project in the world. Join our host Kieran Smith in this episode as we learn about the project, how to set breeding objectives in a commercial goat enterprise, as well as breeding your own bucks on-farm. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Dr. Tom Granleese For more information: (links) Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project Measured Goats | Department of Primary Industries (nsw.gov.au) - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/about-us/research-and-development/projects/animals/measured-goats KIDPLAN | Sheep Genetics - https://www.sheepgenetics.org.au/resources/kidplan/ For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e0IBrIGN68xVhTgSrtoKbG99DgdQD8v8/view?usp=sharing This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

Goat depots play an integral part in the goat supply chain, providing landholders with an option to offload goats locally,  even if they have small numbers. These depots work closely with processors, ensuring a continual supply of goats throughout the year, often within specific weight ranges to fill customer orders. This episode looks at the vital role of goat depots, challenges faced, and insights on industry professionalism. Our host, Kieran Smith, speaks with Rob Newton, a goat depot operator who reflects on his past, shares his daily routine, aspirations and offers advice to newcomers. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Rob Newton For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project gig-goat-depot.pdf (mla.com.au) - https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/generic/extension-training-and-tools/gig-goat-depot.pdf For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Y_wcPlY_YzpKEkeKs5qOfes1MUrism9/view?usp=sharing This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

In NSW, landholders have long been capturing and more recently, managing  nomadic rangeland goats, descendants of early settlers' breeds, which roam freely across the landscape. This shift in management allows for better control over stocking rates and grazing pressure, benefiting both landholders and the environment. In this episode, our host Kieran Smith explores the evolving goat industry over the past two decades, examining historical and current trapping and mustering methods, and uncovering valuable insights from rotational grazing practices. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Sam LeLievre For more information: (links) Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project Going Ahead with Goats – Trapping - https://youtu.be/BIUdxCsvvAM Going Ahead with Goats – Infrastructure - https://youtu.be/FsYXssZcpn8 For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K94dT-zOsHQJ0M4mDCEuQOYpaPbuytIF/view?usp=sharing This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

Step into the world of goat production with host Kieran Smith as he engages in insightful conversations with Fiona Lander from Marra Station, NSW. Explore the intricacies of goat management practices, the hurdles faced, the importance of community engagement, and the exciting prospects for future development. Dive deep into topics such as using goats for woody weed control, weaning and educating goats, as well as some learnings along the way. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Fiona Lander For more information: (links) Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project 23330-MLA_WeedControl - https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/extensions-training-and-tools/creative-commons/weed-control-using-goats---cc.pdf Lactation and weaning | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) - https://www.mla.com.au/Research-and-development/Genetics-and-breeding/Goats/Reproduction/Lactation-and-weaning For a transcript of this episode - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z697n3Kwp16vfy6QQWre0OROohkn9kPq/view?usp=sharing This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

Many producers dream of cutting out the middleman and selling their own branded meat products direct to consumers. For most though, the thought stops at the farm gate, once they realise the many complexities of this business model. However, having a paddock to plate business model is achievable and is a great way to buffer against some of the fluctuations of prices seen in the commodity market. Join us with host Kieran Smith in this podcast where he shares the story of a goat producer who has done just that. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Jo Stewart For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project The Gourmet Goat Lady - http://thegourmetgoatlady.com.au Meat Cuts on the App Store (apple.com) - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/meat-cuts/id904537057 For a transcript of this episode - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LGL3keTqdRUJc_eRydbP5x4xwvHCmdpy/view?usp=sharing This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.