A national approach to improving the capacity of the goat industry

Transcription

1 A national approach to improving the capacity of the goat industry by Jennifer Laffan August 2018

2 A national approach to improving the capacity of the goat industry by Jennifer Laffan August 2018 AgriFutures Australia Publication No. 18/055 AgriFutures Australia Project No. PRJ

3 2018 AgriFutures Australia All rights reserved. ISBN ISSN A national approach to improving the capacity of the goat milk industry Publication No. 18/055 Project No. PRJ The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication. The Commonwealth of Australia, AgriFutures Australia, the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, AgriFutures Australia, the authors or contributors. The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication. This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to AgriFutures Australia Communications Team on Researcher Contact Details Name: Jennifer Laffan Address: NSW DPI, Tocal College, Paterson Rd Paterson 2421 Phone: or (02) tocal.college@dpi.nsw.gov.au In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to AgriFutures Australia publishing this material in its edited form. AgriFutures Australia Contact Details Building 007, Tooma Way Charles Sturt University Locked Bag 588 Wagga Wagga NSW info@agrifutures.com.au Electronically published by AgriFutures Australia at in December 2018 AgriFutures Australia is the new trading name for Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC), a statutory authority of the Federal Government established by the Primary Industries Research and Development Act ii

4 Foreword This project produced the publication Dairy Goats: a practical handbook as an industry resource designed to build industry capacity and capability particularly in the commercial goat milk production sector. The handbook addresses critical information needed for those moving into dairy goat production and for existing enterprises and farm workers. This publication supports relevant units of competency from the national industry training package and may be used in the future as a basis to develop industry accredited short courses and online learning modules to assist further adoption and extension in industry best practice. It builds on the previous industry resources developed by NSW DPI and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), with linkage and alignment where appropriate. The resource has a national focus and includes case studies representing different climatic zones and enterprise styles. The dairy goat industry is identified as an emerging industry with potential and we recommend the publication to all interested parties. This report is an addition to AgriFutures Australia s diverse range of over 2000 research publications and it forms part of our Emerging Industries arena, which aims to support early stage establishment of high potential industries. Most of AgriFutures Australia s publications are available for viewing, free downloading or purchasing online at: John Harvey Managing Director AgriFutures Australia iii

5 Acknowledgements The publication was produced by Education Delivery, Tocal College in association with AgriFutures Australia Ltd. The use of the original Goat Milk Production by Paul Greenwood et. al., is gratefully acknowledged. In addition, the author thanks the many contacts throughout Australia who generously gave their time and advice based on their industry experience. The author also thanks Dr S Baxendell, Goat Veterinary Consultant and D Robinson, President, Dairy Goat Society Western Australia, for their professional review of this publication. iv

6 Contents Foreword... iii Acknowledgements... iv Executive Summary... vi Introduction... 1 Objectives... 2 Methodology... 3 Results... 4 Implications... 6 Recommendations... 7 v

7 Executive Summary What the report is about This project aimed to increase the knowledge and capacity in the production of dairy goat milk by producing a plain English book that covers all aspects of dairy goat production. The publication is based on current industry best practice in Australia that has been determined by extensive consultation and review of current literature. The publication has been aligned with National Vocational Education and Training units of study and may be used as a basis for short courses and online modules to assist further adoption and extension in industry best practice. Who is the report targeted at? The Australian dairy goat industry is relatively small but there is increasing demand for healthy and exotic products. This publication is of benefit to those moving into dairy goat milk production and for existing farm enterprises and farm workers. It is also of use to students at secondary and vocational education levels who are studying the Australian dairy goat industry. Where are the relevant industries located in Australia? Dairy goat farms are located in every Australian state. The majority of production is in Victoria (35%), New South Wales (18%), Queensland (15%) and Western Australia (13%) with minor production in South Australia and Tasmania (each 9%). It is estimated that Australian goat milk production is about 16 million litres per year with an estimated farm gate value of $20 million. There are approximately 68 dairy goat farms and 15 goat milk factories in Australia. ( Background Aims/objectives The objective of the project was to: Produce a publication in the style of a practical handbook to the dairy goat industry. The resource is to be made available as a hardcover publication and as an e-book through Tocal College. It will be promoted in the Tocal College catalogue nationally and sales and distribution made through the Tocal College bookstore. A factsheet Dairy goats: a practical handbook has been produced which is freely available via AgriFutures. Methods used An industry technical reference group which identified agricultural and veterinary was established. The author conducted face to face consultations with relevant stakeholders to identify topics to be covered in the publication. This included identifying suitable dairy goat businesses in different climatic zones across Australia to be used as case studies. This publication also used the original Goat Milk Production by Paul Greenwood et al., NSW Agriculture (1993) as a major resource. vi

8 Results/key findings The publication has shown goat milk production is a viable commercial proposal across Australia. The domestic market of dairy products from goat milk is growing steadily, particularly for speciality cheese. Export activity in goat milk products is also increasing. Dairy goat products include drinking milk (fresh or frozen), cheese varieties, ghee or butter, ice cream, gelato, yoghurt, soap and cosmetics. Implications for relevant stakeholders Access to up to date information for workers and producers ensures consistent best practice is being implemented nationally. A training resource has been developed that can be utilised by educational institutions that may otherwise not have been produced as this is a small market. Tocal College will review and update the publication as required at its expense. This will ensure a relevant contemporary publication is available in years to come. Recommendations It is recommended that this publication be promoted to industry and educational institutions to increase capacity in the dairy goat industry. vii

9 Introduction A number of publications and industry resources have previously been produced for the commercial goat milk production sector. These do not necessarily cover all aspects of commercial production, reflect current practice or are aligned to a national training program. The new publication - Dairy goats: a practical handbook, will be part of the Tocal College publication catalogue nationally, allowing reinvestment and revision by Tocal at the appropriate time. The publication will also be distributed as e-publication through Apple ibook stores and Google Play. This will extend the reach of the publication and accommodate those who wish to view publications on a tablet or computer. The publication will also be available for borrowing through EBSCO libraries which will enable educational institutions to incorporate the content into their learning. Making the publication broadly available across a range of mediums will extend its reach which is particularly important in enabling new industry entrants to gain knowledge and build confidence. 1

10 Objectives Objectives of the project were to produce: 1. A hardcopy perfect-bound colour publication, Dairy goats: a practical handbook, written in plain English, incorporating quality instructional design. To include images and illustrations where appropriate. The copyright for this publication will remain with NSW DPI and be sold through the Tocal College publication catalogue nationally, allowing reinvestment and revision by Tocal at the appropriate time (all income to be retained by Tocal College). 2. An e-publication of the above sold through Apple ibook stores and Google Play. This will extend the reach of the publication and accommodate those who wish to view publications on a tablet or computer. The copyright for this publication will remain with NSW DPI and be promoted through the Tocal College publication catalogue nationally, allowing reinvestment and revision by Tocal at the appropriate time (all income to be retained by Tocal College). 3. A pdf summary fact sheet Goat milk production to be made freely available on the AgriFutures website. 2

11 Methodology Description of methods used, including justification 1. A technical industry reference group which included agricultural and veterinary advisers and key dairy goat industry representatives was identified. This group nominated the areas of knowledge that the project should treat. 2. Existing material and relevant literature was reviewed (see further information sections at the conclusion of each chapter of Dairy goats: a practical handbook). 3. The publication structure and learning objectives were set out (consideration was given to relevant national units of competency) 4. The structure and scope was confirmed with industry reference group and reviewers were identified. 5. A draft publication was sent to reviewers for comment 6. Case studies were written for a selection of cooperating farms to encompass a variety of climatic zones and management styles (see Appendix 1 of Dairy goats: a practical handbook) 7. A final draft was sent to reviewers 8. A fact sheet was sent to AgriFutures Australia 9. Final editing was completed 10. Design and desk-top publishing were completed 11. Design and publish e-publication completed 12. Promotion and marketing through industry, Tocal College and AgriFutures Australia networks and channels. 3

12 Results Results include: publication of Dairy Goats: a practical handbook and enhanced Vocational Education & Training for the Dairy Goat Industry. Dairy goats: a practical handbook has a national focus and includes case studies representing different climatic zones and enterprise styles. Dairy Goats: a practical handbook is in eight parts and addresses: Purchasing and building the herd (breeding and selection) Animal husbandry practices (best management practices) Animal health & welfare Nutrition Farm biosecurity Farm infrastructure and shed requirements Quality assurance Specifications and opportunities for domestic and international markets Information on best practice was obtained by interviewing producers and other industry associates in Tasmania, Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. It includes five case studies from a variety of climatic zones in Australia. These are: South Australia, Meningie, Mediterranean climate zone 5; New south Wales, Nowra, mild temperate climate zone 6; Queensland, Townsville, tropical zone 1; Queensland, Clifton, mild temperate zone 5; Sutton grange, Victoria, semi-arid zone. Vocational Education & Training for the Dairy Goat Industry is available nationally. Nationally accredited Vocational Education and Training is available for workers in the dairy goat industry from Certificate II entry level to Diploma, manager, level. The Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production) is the most common qualification undertaken by those in the dairy industry. Dairy goats: a practical handbook supports the following units of competency from AHC, The National Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training package. AHCLSK416 Identify and select animals for breeding AHCDRY301 Coordinate milking operations AHCLSK309 Implement animal health control Programs AHCLSK318 Rear newborn and young livestock AHCLSK322 Transport farm produce or bulk materials AHCLSK327 Collect, store and administer colostrum AHCLSK331 Comply with industry welfare requirements AHCMOM305 Operate specialised machinery and equipment AHCAGB301 Keep production records for a primary production business. 4

13 Image showing front cover Dairy Goats, NSW DPI,

14 Implications Skilled and confident owners and staff are critical building blocks for sustaining and growing opportunities in emerging industries. Dairy goat milk production is identified as an emerging industry with potential. This resource has a national focus with case studies representing different climatic zones and enterprise styles. It is a guide to anyone interested in dairy goats and gives examples of success that people have in producing milk or making and marketing other products from the milk such as cheese, gelato and cosmetic products This book is an industry resource designed to build industry capacity and capability particularly in the commercial goat milk production sector and to address the critical information needed for those moving into dairy goat milk production and for existing enterprises and farm workers. The research demonstrated that dairy goat production is possible in a variety of climatic zones in Australia and in a variety of farm operations which range from entirely grazing to entirely feedlot. This publication supports relevant units of competency from the national industry training package and may be used in the future as a basis to develop industry accredited short courses and online learning modules to assist further adoption and extension in industry best practice. 6

15 Recommendations It is recommended that this publication be promoted to industry and educational institutions to increase capacity in the dairy goat industry. Furthermore, AgriFutures and the Dairy Goat Industry should support targeted training for workers and operators in their industry. 7

16 A national approach to improving the capacity of the goat industry by Jennifer Laffan August 2018 AgriFutures Australia Publication No. 18/055 AgriFutures Australia Project No. PRJ ISBN: AgriFutures Australia Building 007 Tooma Way Charles Sturt University Locked Bag 588 Wagga Wagga NSW agrifutures.com.au AgriFutures Australia is the trading name for Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation. AgriFutures is a trade mark owned by Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation.