Farm consultant Graham Butcher from Rural Solutions describes the upcoming NZ Cashmere Field Day as a "beginners’ course in goats."

"It will be an overview of how to feed and manage goats, what to do with goats, and what they can do for you,” he says.

Scheduled for March 17 at John Harrison's Mayfield property, the event will also cover market trends and New Zealand's infrastructure for the goat sector.

A key topic will be using goats for chemical-free weed control, which can be particularly beneficial for hill country farmers or those restricted from using sprays.

"When integrated into a farming system, goats complement existing livestock by consuming vegetation that other animals won't touch, leaving clover behind for sheep," Butcher said.

Goats require different care from sheep, with more varied feeding options, but Butcher said most farmers who run goats see improved pasture quality and increased clover growth.

"Most people with a significant number of goats find their pasture quality improves, and clover volume increases as well," he says.

Studies show that goats spend over half of their grazing time in spring and summer on seed heads, which they prefer to graze first when entering a new paddock.

Goats also target weeds like thistles, ragwort, and even gorse, making them an attractive option for land management.

Some farmers are turning to goats to make use of unproductive land rather than opting for blanket forestry.

"It's about finding a stock mix that uses as much feed as possible on the farm.

“Goats eat feed that nothing else will touch," says Butcher.

John Harrison, who integrated goats into his operation last August, has seen great success.

“They save time on thistle control, and they are a way to make money without impacting stock rates," he says.

Parasites can be an issue, so Harrison avoids grazing lambs right after goats.

"We clean up the paddock with cattle or deer afterwards."

In terms of profitability, cashmere wool outperforms sheep wool.

While the quantity produced is lower, it is valued at around $150 per kilogram.

"It's good money, but it's a shame you only get half a kg off a goat."

Harrison runs about 130 does and 80 kids on his 650-hectare property and finds handling goats easier than expected.

"I had my doubts, but with good fencing and a hot wire, they don't push it.

"It's a piece of cake."

NZ Cashmere Field Day

March 17

1:30 pm - 4 pm

Temora Downs, 46 Chapmans Rd, Mayfield

For more information, contact Graham Butcher: [email protected]

By Claire Inkson