Roadmap identifies priorities for stronger WA sheep sector

Confidence, stronger market signals and better supply chain collaboration have emerged as key priorities for the future of Western Australia's sheep industry.

That’s according to the WA Sheep Industry Roadmap to 2028.

Developed through extensive consultation with producers, processors, advisers, exporters and researchers, the industry-led Roadmap is designed to guide the sector through a period of significant change while identifying opportunities to improve profitability, rebuild confidence and strengthen its long-term future.

A key finding was that future success will depend on stronger connections across the supply chain. Stakeholders identified closer collaboration between producers, backgrounders, finishers, processors and service providers as critical to improving value capture, increasing efficiency, and responding to changing market demands.

Consultation also highlighted the need for clearer market signals, better information flow, and greater pricing transparency to help producers make informed business decisions. Opportunities included stronger contracting arrangements, increased data sharing, and better alignment between production systems and processor requirements.

Industry confidence emerged as a major theme, with declining ewe numbers and reduced investment linked to profitability uncertainty, labour availability, infrastructure constraints and questions about the future role of sheep enterprises within mixed farming systems.

Participants also identified opportunities to promote profitable and resilient production systems, increase adoption of proven technologies and management practices, and invest in education, extension and capability building.

This Roadmap is built around three goals: creating a more efficient and profitable supply chain, supporting informed and confident decision-making, and fostering a positive and collaborative industry culture.

Its vision is for a confident, adaptable WA sheep industry that supports people across a profitable supply chain and responds to changing markets through innovation, science, and technology.

Despite the challenges, consultation revealed a strong willingness across the industry to work together to build a more profitable and sustainable future.