Goat Keeping: Milk, Meat & Off-Grid Survival (No Bullsh*t)
Forget fancy breeds. Get what works in Australia.
By Fiona Gallagher· permaculture designer · food, animals and preservation on 12 acres in Tassie
“After three years of goat milk rotting in the jar, I learned that a 700-litre fermenting crock is useless without a 40-degree Celsius Tasmanian summer to start the culture.”
Comparison of dairy, meat and dual-purpose goat breeds for Australian off-grid keepers.
Breeds: Milk or Meat? Don't Waste Your Time
Forget fancy breeds. Get what works in Australia.
Milk: Saanen (best for volume), Alpine (hardy, good temperament). Avoid Nubians - they're messy and smell. Start with 2-3 goats.
Meat: Boer goats (the undisputed meat king in Aus). Kiko is cheaper but slower. Don't buy "dairy" goats for meat - they're too lean.
Price: $200-$500 per goat (Boer $300-$600, Saanen $250-$500). Get bucks? Don't. They stink and fight. Get does only.
Supplier: Boer Goats Australia (boergoats.com.au) - $350 for Boer does. Saanen from local breeders (Facebook groups like "Australian Goat Keepers") - $250-$400.
Fencing: Pay Now or Pay Later (It's $1k+)
Goats will escape through a hole the size of a hairpin. Don't be that bloke.
Height: Minimum 1.8m (they'll jump 2m if they want). Use 1.2m posts, 1.8m wire.
Ground: Bury 30cm of wire or chicken mesh below ground. They dig like it's their job.
Electric fence: Mandatory. Top wire 1.2m high. Use a $120-180 12V charger (e.g., Rural Supply Co).
Cost: $18-$25/m for quality woven wire. For 100m paddock: $1,800-$2,500. Cheaper to do it right than replace fences.
Supplier: Rural Supply Co (ruralsupplyco.com.au) - 1.8m woven wire $18.50/m. Electric fence charger $145.
Tip: Don't use chicken wire. Goats chew it like it's candy. Use 100mm x 100mm mesh or heavier.
Shelter: Basic, Dry & Windproof (No Fancy Poo)
They'll stand in the rain if you don't give them shelter. Dumb.
Basic goat shelter in Australian outback
Size: 3m x 3m minimum for 3 goats. Must be 3-sided (no floor) with a roof overhang.
Location: Sheltered from prevailing winds (usually north-west in Aus). Not in the middle of the paddock.
Materials: Old corrugated iron, pallets, or recycled timber. No need for fancy.
Cost: $400-$1,200 (DIY). Don't build a "house" - it's just a dry, covered spot.
Tip: Leave a gap under the roof for airflow. Goats get sick in humid, stagnant air.
Vet Basics: You're the Vet (Don't Wait)
Goats die fast if you don't act. No "maybe" - fix it now.
Hands giving goat a quick injection
CDT Vaccination: $2.50-$4.50 per dose. Must be done annually. Prevents deadly enterotoxaemia.
Worms: Check poo weekly. Dose with ivermectin drench ($12 for 1L bottle). Rotate drenches (e.g., ivermectin → moxidectin) to avoid resistance.
Foot Rot: Trim hooves monthly. If infected, clean with 10% iodine solution (buy at Vetshop) and apply foot balm.
Tip: If a goat is down, not eating, or has a bloated belly, it's an emergency. Call a vet immediately. Don't "wait and see".
Final Word
Goats are great for off-grid. But they're not a hobby. Get the fence right. Get the shelter right. Vaccinate. Worm. Don't be the bloke who lost 5 goats because he skipped the electric fence. Start with 3 Boers for meat or 3 Saanens for milk. You'll have milk, meat, and no headaches. That's the Aussie way.
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Working with electrical systems, structural modifications, or gas installations carries inherent risks. If you are not confident in your abilities, always engage a licensed professional.
The track's short, no‑frills chorus about turning dreams into work is a quick reminder to stay disciplined with your goat routine. Its three‑minute runtime fits neatly into a coffee break without eating into chore time.— Fiona Gallagher
When to Call a Professional
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Electrical work beyond basic 12V DC additions — requires a licensed electrician
Structural modifications to buildings or load-bearing elements
Gas line installation or modification
Solar array installations above safe voltage thresholds
Any work that affects the structural integrity of your property
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.
