Publication Date

5-2025

Publisher

Western Australian Agricultural Authority (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)

City

Perth

Abstract

I am pleased to present the 2023-24 annual report for the Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme (Sheep and Goat IFS) to our participants, key stakeholders in the Western Australian (WA) sheep and goat industry, and the Minister for Agriculture and Food.

The WA sheep and goat industry has faced a challenging year. After a period of relative stability between 2010 and 2019, the WA flock has continued to decline since 2020, reaching its lowest point since 1952. This downward trend is expected to continue due to local factors such as increased turn-off and seasonal conditions, further compounded by political market interference leading to producer uncertainty, reduced breeding, and lower trade and slaughter prices.

With the industry navigating uncertain times, our focus has been on providing value to producers while maintaining our commitment to biosecurity, which remains a key priority of the Sheep and Goat IFS. Our funded programs continued to deliver positive outcomes, with the Footrot Control Program, supported by WA producers, playing a crucial role in keeping the prevalence of virulent footrot low in the state. Thanks to ongoing border controls and industry funding we have also been able to prevent the introduction of more aggressive strains found elsewhere in Australia. We remain focused on tackling the persistent issue of wild dog populations to reduce the impact on WA sheep producers. This year, following the 2022-23 review, we adjusted the Wild Dog Program to focus on research to support early detection and rapid response of wild dogs for landholders. Despite the challenges of land tenure changes and access for enabling monitoring and management, we remain committed to addressing this significant issue.

We strengthened collaboration with other IFS Schemes, including Cattle, Grains, Seeds, and Hay. By working together on joint communications, we aim to increase awareness of the importance of the IFS and reinforce its role in sustaining and growing WA’s agricultural sectors. This year we developed a joint IFS Communications Strategy to enhance industry engagement, ensuring that the collective strength of the IFS programs support long-term industry growth and resilience. The continued support from WA sheep and goat producers has been vital to the success of the Sheep and Goat IFS. Without this ongoing commitment, the achievements of the Scheme would not be possible. Together, we are addressing critical biosecurity challenges, safeguarding our reputation as a supplier of healthy, high-quality sheep and goat products for both domestic and international markets as consumers look for food safety and leading animal welfare from producers.

Number of Pages

11

Keywords

Sheep and Goat Industry, Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme (IFS), Footrot Control Program, Virulent Footrot, Wild Dog Program, IFS Communications Strategy, Biosecurity Challenges

Disciplines

Biosecurity | Sheep and Goat Science

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