Dear all,
Thank you for your continued engagement. I have really enjoyed the recent discussions with producers, contractors and community members across Western Australia on the state of play in the market and what matters most to you for your businesses and communities. It’s a particularly challenging time given the ongoing global uncertainty and its impact on agriculture, but despite this there continues to be optimism that better times are ahead for the sheep sector.
This update provides a snapshot of recent engagement, progress on key initiatives, upcoming grant opportunities, and an update on the WA Roadmap to 2028, which is central to supporting a sustainable future for the sheep industry.
Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program – Round 2
Round 2 of the Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program will open from 12 May to 8 July 2026.
Preview the Grant Opportunity Guidelines now on GrantConnect.
This program supports livestock transport operators to transition to other transport-related activities, which may require further investment in preparation for the end of the trade.
Grants of up to $40,000 (GST exclusive) per eligible applicant across both rounds, will be available to support eligible transition activities.
Applicants must provide a 1:1 matching cash co-contribution and demonstrate a connection to the trade since 1 July 2020.
Farm Business Transition Program – Round 2
Round 2 of the Farm Business Transition Program will open in May 2026.
This program supports sheep producers to increase on-farm adoption and uptake of alternative farming systems and practices. Grants of up to $75,000 (GST exclusive) per eligible applicant across both rounds, will be available to support the development of tailored business plans and a range of eligible activities, including infrastructure upgrades, equipment purchases, training, innovation adoption, and alternative management practices.
Applicants must provide a 1:1 matching cash co-contribution and demonstrate a connection to the trade since 1 July 2020. A 1:1 cash co contribution is required, and importantly I heard during the first round that the requirement to demonstrate involvement in the trade was too short a time period - it’s great to see that the Department has listened and changed this, and that this period has been extended from 1 July 2020.
A forecast opportunity will be available shortly with draft guidelines – please register with GrantConnect for more information.
To receive updates on grant program openings, please visit the Have Your Say Transition assistance package communication.
Closed Grant Rounds
Round 2 of the Supply Chain Capacity Program closed on 24 April 2026. Administered by the Western Australian Government, the program supports producers and processors through funding for capital works that strengthen the capacity, efficiency and productivity of Western Australia’s sheep supply chain.
For more information, visit WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
WA Roadmap and Economic Analysis
Our sheep sector state plan, the WA Roadmap to 2028 is on track to be released in late May. The WA Roadmap sets out a clear plan to support Western Australia’s sheep industry as it moves away from live sheep exports by sea.
The report WA Roadmap to 2028: Economic Analysis, which provides the economic foundation for the WA Roadmap, is near completion and once released will be available on The Future Flock website.
Based on solid economic analysis and informed by broad consultation, the WA Roadmap outlines the challenges ahead, as well as the opportunities. It provides a practical pathway to support growth, innovation and long term sustainability across WA’s sheep industry.
To stay up to date with the WA Roadmap, visit The Future Flock.
Williams Gateway Expo
On Saturday 11 April I visited the Williams Gateway Expo. It was an opportunity for me to see some fantastic looking meat and wool sheep and I also picked up a few tips on judging from Stud Merino Breeders President Grantly Mullen! This annual show in Williams is a great community event and was an opportunity for me to see some fantastic looking meat and wool sheep.
At the expo, I met a few producers who were successful in receiving grant funding under the available grant programs and encouraged others to apply for the second rounds if they weren’t successful or hadn’t managed to apply late last year.
Despite current challenges facing the agricultural sector, there was a general sense of confidence among livestock producers that, following a very difficult period, returns for meat and wool were strong and the outlook was positive, with discussion about rebuilding the flock and maximising returns.
Minister Collins visits WA
On the 29 April I attended an event close to York hosted by the WA Shearing Industry Association (WASIA) with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP, providing an update on Beyond the Shed (the Shearing Industry Transition Program), insights into shearer training and employment and the benefits of these broader skills to local communities. It is great to see some shearers who are getting involved.
Beyond the Shed is about keeping skilled shearing contractors and teams in regional Western Australia by supporting access to training and complementary skills. This helps people find more year round work beyond the shearing season and helps strengthen local economies and communities.
It was great to hear first-hand that the program is already delivering tangible results on the ground with a lot of interest from shearing contractors and shearers registered for the first round, with a further round underway.
To find out more or to register for upcoming rounds, visit Beyond the Shed.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions either directly to me 0432 837 393 or via transition.advocate@aff.gov.au.
