May has been busy, with the Wheatbelt Futures Forum, the Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) Industry Forum, the launch of the Wheatbelt NRM Green Sheep Project and the finalisation of the WA Roadmap to 2028, plus having the chance to talk with Farm Weekly and the Country Hour on how the industry is faring and important next steps in the transition.
I’ve also briefed a number of elected representatives on help available for their constituents and to hear directly from them about what is happening in their regions. Confidence continues to firm and there is an active conversation about a flock rebuild and how that will happen.
Grant programs now open
Farm Business Transition Program – Round 2
Round 2 of the Farm Business Transition Program is now open from 19 May to 15 July 2026.
This program supports sheep producers to increase on-farm adoption and uptake of alternative farming systems and practices.
Grants of up to a total of $75,000 (GST exclusive) across both rounds is available. This grant supports 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 have actively participated in the trade since 1 July 2020.
Applicants may apply to both Round 2 of the Supply Chain Capacity and Farm Business Transition programs but will not receive funding for the same activity under both.
If successful, activity cannot commence or costs be incurred until your grant agreement has been executed.
For more information and to apply, visit GrantConnect.
Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program – Round 2
Round 2 of the Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program is now open from 15 May to 13 July 2026.
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 a total of $40,000 (GST exclusive) across both rounds is available to support eligible transition activities.
Applicants must provide a 1:1 matching cash co-contribution and have actively participated in the trade since 1 July 2020. If successful, activity cannot commence or costs be incurred, until your grant agreement has been executed.
For more information and to apply, visit GrantConnect.
If you or those in your network are planning to apply, take time to understand the grant opportunity, as each program has specific assessment criteria. There are FAQs on GrantConnect for each program.
WA Roadmap to 2028: Economic Analysis
The WA Roadmap to 2028: Economic Analysis is now available online (scroll down to Reports).
The Rennie Report forms the economic baseline at a macro-level for structural change and underpins the development of the industry co-designed state plan (The WA Roadmap to 2028). The report outlines both the challenges facing the sector and the opportunities for a strong, sheep centred future in Western Australian agriculture.
Importantly, the report models a range of different changes across the supply chain that can work together to improve growth and value.
Among the key insights:
- There is no ‘silver bullet’: only if a number of complimentary changes happen will growth and value be maximised.
- Value potential: The analysis highlights a strong growth opportunity for the WA sheep industry, with coordinated action enabling a potential uplift of over 40% in value (~$660m direct value-add) alongside increased production, jobs and farm income.
- There is a lot within producers’ control: It demonstrates that some of the greatest gains will be achieved by bringing together flock growth, genetics, market signals and system alignment
I’d like to thank Rennie Advisory for their thorough and comprehensive work. I recommend taking time to read the report, as its insights will serve as an important evidence base for future decision-making. Importantly it is designed to be read together with The Situational Analysis of the Western Australian Sheep Industry and the WA Roadmap.
WA Roadmap to 2028 – launch Tuesday 2 June
The WA Roadmap to 2028 has been developed in response to strong industry feedback calling for a clear, practical plan to guide the sector through the transition ahead of the end of live sheep exports by sea from May 2028.
The WA Roadmap has been built and designed by industry for industry. It sets a clear direction for how the whole sheep sector can adapt, grow and remain sustainable through this period of transformation. While government support will assist, long term success will rely on industry leadership and coordinated action across the supply chain.
If you are part of Western Australia’s sheepmeat and wool industries, including breeding, finishing, processing, transport, finance, advisory or research, the WA Roadmap will be an important resource and tool to help guide choices and future investment.
The WA Roadmap to 2028 will be launched on 2 June 2026 at 6:30pm AWST. To watch online, please join here.
Green Sheep Project
Sustainability expectations on WA sheep producers are increasing, with the need to demonstrate and capture data that allows for continued social licence and access to existing and higher value premium markets.
The Green Sheep Project (2026–2028) was launched in WA this month at the Katanning Regional Sheep Saleyards and I encourage anyone who is interested in getting involved to contact the project team.
Finally, I will be joining the WA Wool Collective early next month on a quick trip to China to see firsthand the demand for the fantastic wool that WA produces. This group will involve exporters, brokers, consultants and producers and is a great initiative being led by Peter Morris from PJ Morris Wools to show what demand and market signals look like from our key export market - I’ll update you on this and other news next month!
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions either directly to me or via transition.advocate@aff.gov.au.
