Supply Chains of the Sheep and Goat Meat Industry

Executive summary

The purpose of this report is to identify and map the supply chain models that exist in the Qld Sheep and goat meat industry. This will provide a base to develop information and feedback to government and industry to address identified problems and prospects. The underlying aim of this research and subsequent policy advice is to help producers within the industry increase their financial returns and contribute to economic growth in sheep and goat producing communities.

To map and classify the supply chain, interviews were conducted with a number of intermediaries. This allowed the structure of sheep and goat meat supply chains to be assessed in the context of networks, key attributes and critical linkage points.  The questions were centred around mapping the supply chain structure and processes. The supply chain questions were conducted using different thematic foci on where value is added, key aspects of the links that make them flexible or rigid, and limitations or opportunities in the supply chain.

Lead researcher: Dr Megan Star, CQUniversity/RECoE. Prof John Rolfe, CQuniversity, A.Prof Ben Lyons, RECoE

Animal management and production was recognised as an integral part of the supply chain.The impact of wild dogs was noted as an issue particularly in southern Queensland, from Warwick through to the western corner.  It was noted that the management of breeds and capacity to access improved genetics both for sheep and goat meat would be key to the meat industries’ expansion in Queensland. These genetic improvements may focus on the meat quality and taste, along with animal production traits and characteristics. It wsa also identified that was a critical shortage of expertise regarding animal health, nutrition and management.. The technical support accessed  for some of the producers was in Western Australia, which was extremely limiting to the growth of the Qld industry. Goat meat may achieve this once goats are removed from the Biosecurity Act, and sustainable management program is developed.

Sheep and goat meat was identified as having a relatively short-supply chain, particularly in Outback Qld, providing increased food security. However, cold chain logistics are still required to maintain the food network and support the expansion of market access for a number of intermediaries in the supply chain.  The road network is critical to this in ensuring all weather access.  Employment was identified as a key issue across the supply chain and this, in conjunction with very low margins for some intermediaries, resulted in very fragile supply chains. Informal networks were currently fostering the development of new markets and supporting the viability of a number of players in the supply chain.

This report should be cited as:

Star, M., Rolfe, J., Morrish, F.,  Lyons, B. 2021. Supply Chains of the Sheep and Goat Meat Industry Report provided to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.