Last-minute plea to reverse doomed live sheep exports

With an axe hanging over the live sheep export by sea industry, farm groups have said there is “a compelling case” to reopen trade from the east coast.

Farm groups have written to Agriculture Minister Murray Watt pleading for a last-minute reversal of the live sheep by sea ban, saying the reopening of trade into Saudi Arabia and prevailing market conditions had inched the door open for east coast exports.

In the December 1 letter, seen by The Weekly Times, the Victorian Farmers Federation, Queensland’s AgForce, NSWFarmers and Livestock South Australia said that with the processing sector largely at full capacity, “a compelling case exists for live sheep exports to resume from the east coast market”.

The groups said kickstarting exports out of Adelaide, where export infrastructure, including holding yards, remained intact despite being unused since 2018 when changing commercial conditions and drought forced a cessation, presented “a real opportunity.”

“Besides providing important competition in local sheep markets, the live export trade provides valuable support to, and flexibility for, the sheep industry at times of severe stress,” it said.

Australian Livestock Exporters' Council chief executive officer Mark Harvey-Sutton.

“During periods of protracted drought, industry adjustment, and conditions like we are experiencing now with a surplus of supply and producers unable to finish store sheep to slaughter market specifications, the live sheep trade is critical as it can move a large volume of sheep into overseas markets.”

The letter added that producers in all four states recently found themselves facing the “awful scenario” where some classes of sheep had no commercial value.

Live sheep have also previously been exported from Portland in Victoria, but the vast majority are currently exported from Western Australia from where almost 640,000 sheep were exported in 2022-23, a 41 per cent year-on-year increase.

Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council chief executive Mark Harvey-Sutton said the spike had exporters considering adding vessels, and that increasing demand from Middle East markets made an eastern expansion a “realistic proposition.”

“There will be a point where, if demand continues to grow, that exporters will need to look beyond WA for live sheep,” he said.

Sheep that are destined for the live export market, pictured from the paddock to the vessel. Pictures: Supplied

“The letter also proves live export is a national issue and dispels the misnomer it is something only impacting WA, it is quite a powerful statement.”

Mr Harvey-Sutton said it was currently not viable to ship cattle to most Middle East nations without sheep and that mixed consignments would benefit both industries.

A report by the independent panel formed to advise the government on its phase-out plans is currently being considered by the government.

Senator Watt was contacted for comment.