Sheep Industry Fund
The Sheep Industry Fund supports South Australian sheep farmers, using payments to carry out projects and activities that benefit the industry.
Funds are collected in accordance with the Primary Industry Funding Schemes (Sheep Industry Fund) Regulations 2014.
Contributing to the fund
All sheep owners in South Australia contribute $0.55 per head to the Sheep Industry Fund when 5 or more sheep are sold for $5 per head or more.
The dog fence rebuild industry contribution of an additional $0.12 per sheep when 5 or more sheep are sold per head, was collected as part of the livestock industry's $5.8 million investment to rebuild the South Australian dog fence. A component of the dog fence rates also contributed to this target. The target was reached by 1 July 2025.
Contribution process
The sheep vendor is responsible for paying contributions to the fund unless a collection agent is involved in the transaction.
Collection agents include stock agents, abattoirs, and butchers – these are responsible for collecting the contribution from vendors when they are involved in a sale, and remitting contributions to the fund.
Sheep vendors must confirm that the collection agent has collected the contribution as vendors may become ineligible to take part in programs funded by the Sheep Industry Fund if the contribution has not been made.
Collection agents, and producers where relevant, must remit Sheep Industry Fund contributions within 14 days after the end of each quarter (September, December, March, and June). Use the following forms:
- Sheep Industry Fund Producer Direct Contribution Form ( )
- Sheep Industry Fund Agent Contribution Form ( )
If you are a new collection agent or you need to update your contact details, please complete a Collection Agent Contact Details Form ( ) so you’re informed of updates relating to your responsibilities.
Use of funds
The Minister approved the release of up to $5.05 million from the Sheep Industry Fund in 2024–25. This will be used for projects to benefit South Australia’s sheep industry as follows:
| Project | Funding |
|---|---|
| Livestock SA application comprising 23 projects, as detailed on the Livestock SA website | $3,785,722 |
| Dog fence rebuild | $900,000 |
| Dog fence maintenance | $289,991 |
| Sheep Industry Fund administration costs (budget) | $28,000 |
In addition, the fund will be applied to refund payments.
Details of actual fund expenditure are published in the Sheep Industry Fund annual reports.
Contribution refunds
Sheep producers may request a refund of contributions made in the preceding financial year.
If you received a refund, you are not entitled to any service or benefit from the fund for 2 years.
A body to which payments are made from the fund may receive information identifying sheep producers on whose behalf contributions have been paid or refunded.
Requests for a refund of contributions can be made to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development:
- Complete a Request for Refund Form ( ).
- Provide documentary evidence that clearly shows the Sheep Industry Fund contributions paid, such as account sales dockets.
Fund management
Under the Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act 1998, a revised management plan must be prepared and presented for the funds at least once a year. This includes:
- estimates of the likely contributions to the fund over the coming 5-year period
- proposals for investment of the fund
- proposals for how the fund will be applied to benefit contributors.
The latest management plan was presented at the public meeting on 8 August 2025:
The Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development is the administrator of the Sheep Industry Fund.
Annual reports
Related information
Livestock SA Sheep Industry Fund
Contact
Ainsley Maconochie – PIFS Program Manager
Phone: (08) 8214 6025
Email: pirsa.pifs@sa.gov.au