Industry funds inject $5 million into sheep and cattle industries

South Australia's livestock industry is set to benefit from an injection of more than $5 million of industry funds to help grow the sector and support local jobs. 

A total of 32 projects -- 22 sheep projects worth $4.3 million and 10 cattle projects worth $870,000 -- will be funded in 2021-22 by the Sheep and Cattle industry funds after being signed off by the Marshall Liberal Government following recommendations by the Livestock SA Sheep and Cattle Industry Fund Boards.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the funding includes the transfer of just under $4 million to Livestock SA for various industry projects including the implementation of the South Australian Sheep and Beef Industry Blueprints.

“Our red meat, wool and dairy sectors play an important role in the state’s economy generating $4.5 billion in annual production and processing revenue and supporting 30,000 jobs."

To further drive growth and development in the industry both funds will jointly contribute $240,000 towards the $7.5 million Red Meat and Wool Growth Program, while more than $1 million of the 2021-22 Sheep Industry Fund have been allocated towards the once in a generation rebuild of the South Australian Dog Fence and its ongoing maintenance.

Livestock SA President Joe Keynes said the South Australian livestock industry has a renowned reputation in animal health management and biosecurity and these areas will also be further enhanced through fund projects.

“The various projects being managed during the 2021-22 financial year include farm biosecurity and endemic disease management program, researching the benefits of melatonin for ewes, and the SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. The Funds also sponsor the annual SA Sheep Expo and Junior Heifer Expo,” Mr Keynes said.

“The Funds are an excellent opportunity for South Australian farmers to influence the direction and development of their industry and have their own resources at hand to do so.

“I would also like to acknowledge the good work and professionalism of the Sheep and Cattle Industry Fund Boards who have assessed and recommended these projects.

“In addition to the major projects, there is a budget approved within both the Cattle and Sheep Industry Funds to support small projects to benefit the industry that may arise throughout the year.

“This flexibility will enable us to further promote industry growth while meeting the needs of members during this period of uncertainty and change.”

The Sheep Industry Fund and Cattle Industry Fund are established under the Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act 1998 and provide a way for South Australia’s primary industry sectors to raise funds so they can favorably position themselves in the national and international marketplace.

For more details on 2021-22 Livestock SA projects funded by the Sheep and Cattle Industry Funds visit: www.livestocksa.org.au/industry-funds.

For more information on the remaining 2021-22 projects visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/livestock