WA farmers say uncertainty over sheep exports are driving prices down
Farmers in Western Australia say uncertainty over live sheep exports is contributing to plummeting prices and will soon lead to job losses. The proposed phase out of live exports is a key factor driving a reduction in stock numbers and an oversupply of sheep being brought to market.
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00:00 It's been a tough day at the Corrigan sale yards.
00:05 A lot of farmers are sort of worried about where the prices are, there's no doubt about
00:09 that.
00:10 Nationally, prices for live sheep have fallen by more than 60% over six months.
00:17 And in Western Australia, where farmers are more reliant on exports, the Federal Government
00:22 plan to phase out live exports is having a big impact.
00:27 Farmers have absolutely lost confidence because of this government interference into their
00:32 market and they're making decisions to reduce their risk or exposure to the sheep industry.
00:40 Western Australia's sheep flock has dropped to its lowest number in seven years as farmers
00:45 look to reduce stock or exit the industry.
00:50 With four years to brace for a potential phase out of live export, producers need to make
00:55 decisions now.
00:57 Sheep industry we plan over a 10, 15 year period, so to change around your whole business
01:04 structure just can't be done overnight.
01:06 It's not just farmers who are concerned about the plummeting sheep prices.
01:11 Businesses that rely on the industry are also being impacted.
01:14 Our sales are down overall about 15% over the three or four month period compared to
01:20 last year.
01:21 This shearing equipment supplier in Perth will be forced to make changes if the downturn
01:26 continues.
01:27 We have a number of staff here, about 14 in total, we would have to look at putting some
01:33 of those off, that's the only way, or decreasing their hours.
01:37 One of a growing number of tough decisions facing the wider sheep industry.
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