Sheep

In 2007-08, the SA sheep industry generated an estimated $1.06 billion of gross revenue to the state economy. Of this, $677 million was attributed to meat with $384 million coming from fibre.

Total farmgate value in 2007-08 was $580 million with over half being attributed to wool and 29% to prime lamb production.

Sheep enterprise farmgate value 2008

South Australia contributes approximately 15% of national wool production and approximately 19% of national lamb production.

The majority of regional wool production occurs in the cropping/sheep zone in regions such as the Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and Murraylands.

The majority of regional lamb production occurs in the high rainfall zone in the Limestone Coast, Kangaroo Island and Fleurieu regions.

Pie graph of SA's wool production in 2008

The total South Australian sheep and lamb flock has been estimated at 10.2 million at 30 June 2008 (ABS).

The SA Sheep Industry 10-year Strategic Plan provides a clear, common vision for the SA sheep industry’s capacity and potential. The strategic plan was developed in 2004 following consultation with a range of stakeholders both within the state and nationally. It was reviewed in 2008 when a new list of priority actions was identified.

PIRSA’s Animal Health support is critical to South Australia’s sheep industry.

Sheep disease prevention and management includes information on ovine Johne’s disease, lice control, ovine brucellosis and footrot. You can also download the National Sheep Health Statement from this section of the website.

NLIS Sheep and Goats

Property Registration

PIRSA also provide support to the following committees:

The SA Sheep Industry Development Board’s primary role is to advise the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries on the optimal development of their sheep industry in South Australia and in doing so, foster an effective partnership with Government. The board is responsible for developing the SA sheep industry 10-year strategic plan and providing industry leadership. The board comprises representation from across the value chain including production, marketing, processing and food service.

The SA Sheep Advisory Group is dedicated to providing information to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries on all matters relating to Animal Health and Welfare, as they relate to sheep producers in South Australia.  They also administer the Sheep Industry Fund.   The group comprises ten members representing commercial sheep producers, stud merino and sheepmeat breeders, SA Farmers Federation and PIRSA.

The SA Lamb Development Team has a focus on implementing initiatives consistent with the SA Sheep Industry Strategic Plan and facilitating communication and networking across SA’s sheep industry. The team comprises producer members who reflect diversity in sheep production systems and regions of SA. The Australian Meat Industry Council, Meat and Livestock Australia, Australian Wool Innovation, SA Farmers Federation and service providers are also represented on the team.

Staff contact details:

Denise Little
Acting Principal Officer – Beef & Sheep
(08) 8207 7903
little.denise@saugov.sa.gov.au

Casey Work
Policy Support Officer – Livestock Industry Development
(08) 8207 7925
work.casey@saugov.sa.gov.au