— Fiona. If you can't eat it, it goes to the chooks.
ArticlesCalculatorsSite PlannerShopForget fancy homesteads. Goats are the workhorses of off-grid living in Australia. They give milk, meat, and weed control without breaking the bank. Here's how to do it right, with Aussie pricing and suppliers.
By Fiona Gallagher · permaculture designer · food, animals and preservation on 12 acres in Tassie
“After losing my first two does to hypothermia in that Tasmanian winter, I learned that goat-proof fencing must start at ground level, not just the top.”
Forget fancy homesteads. Goats are the workhorses of off-grid living in Australia. They give milk, meat, and weed control without breaking the bank. Here's how to do it right, with Aussie pricing and suppliers.
Don't waste time on the wrong goat. Pick for your goal:
| Breed | Milk Yield (L/day) | Meat Quality | Hardiness (Aussie Test) | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saanen | 3-4 | Good | Struggles with heat/drought | $350-$500 |
| Alpine | 2.5-3.5 | Good | Handles Aussie conditions better | $300-$450 |
| Boer | N/A | Excellent (fast growth) | Thrives in heat, drought-tolerant | $250-$400 |
| Kiko | N/A | Excellent (lean meat) | Best for tough Aussie terrain | $200-$350 |
Verdict: For milk, Alpine. For meat, Boer or Kiko. Kiko is the Aussie workhorse – survives on scrub, needs minimal feed.
Goats will eat through anything. Cheap fencing = expensive repairs. Here's what works in Australia:
| Fencing Type | Cost (AUD/metre) | Best For | Aussie Supplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (2 strands) | $1.50-$2.50 | Small paddocks, budget | Aussie Fencing Supplies |
| Woven Wire (1.2m) | $5.00-$7.00 | Permanent setup, predator proof | Farm & Home | Timber (1.8m posts) | $8.00-$10.00 | Wind protection, heritage look | Timber Direct |
Pro Tip: Use 1.2m woven wire with electric top strand. Costs $6.50/m. Stops goats and dingoes. Get it from Farm & Home (use code OFFGRID for 5% off).
Need electric fence gear? Electric Fence Kit (2km) - $199 AUD (Amazon Australia, offgridmast09-22)
Goats don't need a mansion. But they need:
Don't: Use concrete floors. Goats get sore feet. Use gravel or packed earth.
Goats get sick. Here's your emergency kit (Aussie prices):
| Item | Cost (AUD) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Goat de-wormer (1L) | $45 | AgriFutures Australia |
| Hoof trimmers | $25 | Goat & Sheep Supplies |
| First-aid kit (goat-specific) | $85 | Amazon Australia |
Key Rule: Vaccinate against enterotoxaemia (common in Australia). Cost: $10 per goat. Do it annually. Get the vaccine from your local vet or VetShop.
Goat first-aid kit: Goat Vet Kit - $85 AUD (Amazon Australia, offgridmast09-22)
• Start with 3-5 goats. Too many = chaos. • Feed: Native grasses (free), supplemented with lucerne hay ($25/bale). • Water: 10L per goat daily. Use rainwater tanks (AS/NZS 3500:2018). • Milking: Alpine goats give 2L/day. Use a $30 stainless steel bucket (from Bunnings). • Meat: Butcher at 12 months. Boer goats weigh 50kg+ – sell for $3.50/kg at local abattoir.
Final word: Goats are low-cost, high-reward. Pick Kiko or Boer, fence right, and you'll have milk, meat, and cash in 12 months. No fluff. Just goats.
Worth a watch: Tactical Homesteading | Dairy Goats and Chickens · Dirty Civilian
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.
