The Future Flock: A shared, long-term framework that highlights the key strategic issues of mutual and enduring importance to the wool and sheepmeat industries.
The Future Flock provides a national strategic framework to support a strong, sustainable and profitable future for Australia’s sheep meat and wool industry.
Informed by economic modelling and national consultations with producers and supply chain participants, The Future Flock sets a clear, industry-led direction for the Australian sheep industry.
Over the six-month consultation period, over 300 people from across the Australian sheep industry have contributed their knowledge, experience and perspectives through workshops, interviews, surveys and stakeholder discussions. Participants represented the breadth of the sheep value chain, including producers, processors, exporters, researchers, advisors, service providers, industry organisations and government.
Nine interconnected imperatives - obstacles and enablers - emerged from analysis of the recurring themes emerging across workshops, interviews and surveys conducted to-date. Together they represent some of the significant opportunities and constraints influencing the long-term performance of Australia's sheep industry and provide important foundations for the next phase of development for The Future Flock.
| Imperative | Description |
|---|---|
| Industry Culture | Building confidence, optimism and a stronger sense of autonomy across the industry. |
| Industry Unity | Creating greater alignment around a shared direction for Australia's sheep industry. |
| People and Capability | Building and renewing the industry's workforce, leadership and capability for the future. |
| Animal Wellbeing | Protecting and advancing animal wellbeing as a foundation for productivity, community trust and long-term sustainability. |
| Whole of Animal Value | Realising maximum value from every animal to improve efficiencies, profitability and market opportunities. |
| Supply Chain Performance | Building a more connected, demand-led supply chain that responds to market signals and customer needs. |
| Business Profitability | Strengthening business performance through better decision-making, financial capability and technology adoption. |
| Innovation and Evidence-Based Advice | Facilitating access to trusted advice and innovation that supports continuous improvement. |
| Compliance | Reducing the burden of compliance while maintaining market access and meeting evolving expectations. |
Alongside the opportunities and constraints identified through the consultation, participants consistently described the characteristics of a successful Australian sheep industry. Together, they point to an industry that is founded on:
Profitability
Businesses across the sheep value chain generate sustainable returns that encourage continued investment, support long-term participation and reward innovation. Profitability provides the confidence to invest, grow and attract the next generation.
Sustainability
The industry has the resilience to withstand economic, environmental and market shocks while continuing to adapt, innovate and seize new opportunities. It maintains the productive capacity needed for long-term success.
Materiality
The industry maintains the scale, relevance and influence needed to contribute meaningfully to Australia's economy, regional communities and international reputation. Its voice is respected because its contribution is significant.
Autonomy
The industry is confident, competitive and capable of shaping its own future. It attracts investment because of its strength and long-term potential, rather than relying on ongoing external support.
Together, these four attributes describe the future The Future Flock seeks to enable. They provide a shared picture of long-term success and a reference point for the next phase of the work.
These four attributes describe the future The Future Flock seeks to enable and provides a shared picture of long-term success.
The next phase of The Future Flock will focus on working with industry to:
- test and refine the emerging insights;
- identify the highest-leverage opportunities for change;
- Map and build on existing strategies and initiatives; and
- co-design practical actions that strengthen the industry over the long term.
Visit The Future Flock for more information.
The Future Flock, together with the WA Roadmap to 2028, completes delivery of the $0.8 million Sheep Industry Strategy and Implementation Plan grant. This work delivers an industry-led, government supported approach to strengthen confidence, direction, and growth across both the national and Western Australian sheep meat and wool industries.
