Long-term confidence in WA sheep industry

Sheep producer Allan Hobley says there is still confidence in the industry, despite the recent announcement that live sheep exports will be banned from 2028. See our podcast on the issue here.

For West Australian sheep producer Allan Hobley there is still long term confidence in the industry, despite the recent announcement that live sheep exports will be banned from May 2028.

Mr Hobley, who runs a mixed grain and livestock operation over 7000ha in Western Australia’s Great Southern region said the “political decision” came at a time where sheep producers were already under enough pressure.

“(I’m) probably more disappointed with the timing of the announcement, in a situation where sheep producers are under enough pressure as it is, adding an extra burden to their day,” he told The Australian Ag Podcast.

“Most people would acknowledge that it’s a political decision, it’s not really based on the science or the trade.

“We’re a fairly strongly-held Liberal seat in O’Connor (Mr. Hobley’s electorate), and I don’t think there’s more to gain for a Labor government to knock over one seat than it is to appease a lot of inner-city voters … so I think it’s purely politically motivated, so that’s really disappointing.”

With West Australian sheep producers facing prices as low as $1 amid record low rainfall levels in parts of the state, Mr Hobley, who hasn’t had meaningful rainfall since September, said that short-term production will hinge on rain, but there is still confidence in the industry’s long term prospects.

“Whether it’s livestock or cropping or any enterprise, it hinges on rain, rain is the only way to produce anything,” he said.

“Short-term, I can’t see much of the pressure coming off. If we had a widespread 40-50ml of rain in the southern part of the state, that would alleviate pressure more than anything else.

“Long-term, once the supply tightens up and the season kicks away, I think we’ll be in a really good position this time next year. I think we have a lot of confidence that prices will improve dramatically.”

‘Over the Fence’ is sponsored by Ram Trucks Australia. You can listen to the full podcast on Spotify or here.