CONFIDENCE in the goat industry is one thing Glenn Martin definitely has.
Mr Martin, Sue Ryan and Taylan and Megan Atar run Australia’s largest premium quality goat meat production facility, Seven Hills Tallarook, in Central Victoria.
The combined commercial operation is run across three properties on over 700 acres.
There are several keys to the goat farm’s success with one being confidence.
Seven Hills firmly believe in the goat industry and see a future that is both strong and diverse.
“Australia is a multicultural country,” Mr Martin said.
“Melbourne has a large ethnic population which will really allow this industry to grow.”
Australia is also the largest exporter of goat meat in the world and both factors are inspiring farmers to turn to goat production as a profitable enterprise.
Seven Hills offers a continual supply of premium goat meat all year round and to their knowledge are the only farm in Victoria doing so.
Their meat is predominantly sold to prominent chefs and restaurants around Australia, as well as quality butchers, gourmet delicatessens and providores.
“We cater for the domestic Capretto, and Chevon, markets as well as the live export market,” Mrs Ryan explained.
“If we divided it up I would say 75% of our goat meat goes to restaurants and butchers in Melbourne, 20% Sydney and 5% is exported.
“We run around 2500 Boer-infused Goats and breed 30 does with a buck every week.”
Seven Hills breeds Australian Boer Goats including full blood South African boers, Kalahari Reds and Boer infused commercial breeding does.
“Our animals roam freely in 20 to 40 acre paddocks,” Mr Martin explained.
“Each paddock is equipped with shelter to protect our animals.
“They are fed a rich diet of specifically formulated pellets and are hand fed fresh fodder three times a week, which we grow in our own fodder factory as well as ad lib hay.”
Aside from having confidence in their industry Seven Hill’s also strives to expand goat farming.
One way this is achieved is through goat sales.
“There isn’t a specific market to sell goats so we offer breeders a market,” Mrs Ryan said.
“We pay liveweight prices whereas most other buyers pay carcass weight prices.
“Prices per head range between $50-$90 depending on age, liveweight and body condition.”
Aside from buying goats Seven Hills also sells goats and offers training courses to support new industry farms.
“We offer small farm orientated training days and educational paddock to plate days,” Mr Martin explained.
“Looking after your animals is the most important factor to consider when breeding Boer Goats.
“At Seven Hills we are all about best practice.”
For an industry to expand and excel Seven Hills believes all bodies need to work together.
Marketing their goat meat has been another important step in Seven Hill’s success.
Mr Atar said their website generates 28,000 hits a month.
It offers viewers a broad range of information including how to develop your farm, husbandry and management practices and goat meat recipes.
Recently, Seven Hills launched a second website www.thefarmstore.com.au.
The website offers buyers over 5,000 products online.
“We understand that it’s not always easy getting the farming supplies that you want in rural Australia, so we will send them to you,” Mr Atar explained.
“We use an overnight courier service or Australia post to get products to buyers quick smart.”
Another avenue which has created both revenue and promotion for Seven Hill’s goat meat is Farmers Markets.
“We sell our meat every first and third Sunday of the month at the Royal Melbourne Show Farmers Market,” Mrs Ryan explained.
“Typically our goat meat sells out in the first hour.”
And it’s not just support from buyers that’s contributing to the industry’s success.
“Goat was previously seen as a poor man’s lamb,” Mr Martin explained.
“But now that isn’t the case.
“Cooking shows are constantly on the rise.
“Chefs are looking for a point of difference which is why they find goat meat appealing”.
Recognition of this occurred for Seven Hill’s in 2010 by becoming a national finalist in the ABC Vogue Delicious Produce Awards.
Seven Hill’s has also been nominated in these awards again in 2011.
Helping others in the industry is something that the Seven Hills team enjoys.
Mr Martin and Mrs Ryan have been working in the industry for the past 20 years and said a willingness to learn is one of the key factors to running a successful goat farm.
“I would suggest starting small,” Mrs Ryan said.
“It’s important to get your management skills right in this industry.”
When it comes to their own future, Seven Hills aspire to become the most recognised Australian goat producer through reputation and by delivering an excellent quality product.
A special function room is currently being built on the property and will allow the business to expand in other ways.
“The function room has a chef’s kitchen and our first chef’s function is booked for March,” Mr Atar said.
Seven Hills are constantly striving to make the goat industry the best industry it can be.
