Meat-Goat Prices Increasing on Reduced Supply, Increasing Demand

STILLWATER, OK – Livestock producers who manage their costs and maintain herd health should be in a good position to take advantage of strong returns in the market, according to experts with Oklahoma State University.

Before you think we’re simply talking cattle, wait. Scott Clawson is an OSU Extension area economist and blames the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic on disrupting imports of meat goats from Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. Therefore, he says, the economic interaction of prices rising in response to high demand and limited supplies is currently in play as imports have declined 45 percent since 2019.

OSU Extension is recommending retained ownership to create profit by taking advantage of a price spread (the difference between two prices) rather than a price level. Also, that the operation incurs a cost to add additional weight to its animals so make sure you know the cost of gain, all ancillary costs – including vet care, facility repairs, and fencing, estimated death loss, and a miscellaneous fee – then choose the highest profit ratio to know when to sell.