Supporting the Future of South Australian Sheep Producers

Stock Journal Article - December 2024

Author: Dr. Mandy Bowling, Senior Program Officer, Livestock SA

Did you know that South Australian sheep producers collectively contribute over $4.5 million each year to support their industry through the Sheep Industry Fund? This funding is critical to driving innovation, strengthening animal health, and supporting industry sustainability. Yet, many producers remain unaware of how these funds are collected, allocated, and invested for their benefit.

A recent survey of Livestock SA members found only 34% of respondents were aware of where money is invested through the Sheep Industry Fund and 41% were aware of Livestock SA’s role in managing the funds that are approved by the Minister for Primary Industries for expenditure.

So how does the fund work and how is your money being used to benefit South Australian sheep producers?

The State Government collects a levy of 67 cents per head when five or more sheep are sold for $5 or more per head. Of this, 55 cents is allocated to general contributions, while 12 cents is allocated to the SA Dog Fence Rebuild, a critical regional infrastructure project that is the backbone to other wild dog management programs in South Australia.

Livestock SA calls for applications for general contribution investments in February each year. Applications that are received from service providers are then assessed by a sub-committee, called the Sheep Industry Fund Committee, which is a skills-based group of producers.

Applications are evaluated against key investment priorities, which include animal health, traceability, predator control, advocacy, and industry development. Decisions are also guided by the SA Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030, ensuring that funded projects align with the industry’s long-term goals for sustainability and growth.

Once applications are reviewed, the committee provides its recommendations to the Livestock SA Board. Livestock SA, which is recognised by the Government as the representative body for the state’s sheep producers, must then apply to the Minister for projects to be funded.

The Minister assesses this application against government regulations and management plans and makes payment to Livestock SA for the projects that are approved.

Livestock SA is then responsible for contracting the third-party service providers, and the management and acquittal of all funded projects.

In 2024-25, the general contribution to the Sheep Industry Fund is supporting 23 projects out of more than 40 applications. Over $1.5 million is being invested in animal health projects, including the development of an in-field test to diagnose Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae - the principal cause of pneumonia in sheep. This innovation will aid in disease mitigation and future vaccine development for sheep. 

Nearly $1 million is being invested into industry development initiatives that range from supporting agricultural teachers in schools, to developing improved pastures and more resilient grazing practices, to sterile blowfly and pain mitigation research, to training and support for learner shearers, wool handlers, and shedhands.

Over $200,000 is being invested in predator control, focusing on wild dog management programs to address the significant impacts of wild dogs on the industry. These efforts are often complemented by funding from organisations such as PIRSA and Landscape Boards, amplifying their reach and effectiveness.

All these projects and projects from previous years enhance the profitability and sustainability of the SA sheep Industry.

The next round of funding applications for the SA Sheep Industry Fund will open in February 2025 and as the fund has become more valued, it continues to attract high quality funding applications, allowing the best investment of the funds for the industry.