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Connecting with industry remains at the heart of The Future Flock - and that’s why National Advisory Panel members and their networks are playing a crucial role in early engagement. Initial industry conversations have centred on why a clear national direction matters for the sheepmeat and wool sector, exploring the purpose behind the strategy and, most importantly, how producers and farm service providers can help shape it through practical, on-ground feedback to ensure The F

The purpose of our work is to provide clear, evidence-based economic analysis that guides the development of The Future Flock strategy. Our role is specifically to quantify the economic impacts of key challenges (like the live export ban, processing capacity, workforce constraints, etc…), assess opportunities across the wool and sheep meat value chain, and deliver scenario modelling that shows how different strategic choices will affect producers, processors, regions, and mar

According to the Situation Analysis of the Western Australian Sheep Industry, wool remains a central economic pillar in WA’s sheep production, even as overall flock numbers have contracted and mixed farming systems evolve.

A recent second industry workshop included 26 participants from across the sheepmeat and wool value chain to sense-check the draft Roadmap direction, with the tone of discussions practical, constructive and future-focused. Attendees valued the opportunity to collaboratively test the draft to ensure the Roadmap aligned with commercial conditions as well as long-term industry aspirations.

WA meat processors serve a diverse mix of domestic and export markets, with growing demand for lamb and mutton which meets defined carcase specifications.

A significant part of our discussion centred on the role of the Panel itself. Members highlighted the importance of providing independent, constructive and evidence-based advice to support the development of a credible and inclusive national strategy for the sheep industry.

Cath works extensively as a facilitator, working with Agricultural Industries, boards, project teams and rural and regional communities.

More recently, stakeholder discussions highlighted the more positive sentiment recorded in the October 2025 MLA/AWI Sheep Producer Intentions Survey. This survey found sentiment among WA sheepmeat producers had strengthened considerably, with a net sentiment of +53, although still lagging the national sheepmeat sector average of +78.

Sheep Producers Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of the National Advisory Panel for The Future Flock - a whole-of-industry initiative designed to strengthen alignment, drive long-term resilience, and guide the future growth of Australia’s world-leading sheep sector.

Sharper insights from improved data collection and usage might just be the game-changer WA’s sheep industry has been waiting for. That was the clear message from producers, processors and supply-chain leaders who gathered in Perth recently to explore how WA can move beyond seasonal volatility and start doing business with more confidence, clarity and collaboration. Producers at the roundtable drew comparisons with the grain sector, calling for improved on farm and supply chai

MEDIA RELEASE: Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) today launched the development of The Future Flock, a national strategy designed to guide the sheepmeat and wool sector through change and set a profitable, resilient direction for decades to come.