❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses the declining sheep industry, seeking information on flock sizes, wool production, predictions, and government incentives. The Minister provides data and outlines assistance programs.
AnsweredQoN 1118Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
SHEEP INDUSTRY - VIABILITY
I refer to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures that show national lamb slaughters are at their highest since recording began in 1979, and to the reported comment of market analyst Peter Weeks that the national sheep flock is down to the 1925 level. (1) What is the historically comparable status of Western Australian sheep flock numbers and lamb slaughters? (2) Is it the case that WA is expecting its smallest wool clip since the 1940s? (3) Given that the national levels are described by Mr Weeks as close to critical and likely to drop even further, what is the prediction for WA sheep numbers for both meat and wool? (4) Given that it takes considerable breeding time to rebuild flocks, what incentives are being offered to farmers by the state government to ensure the viability of the local sheep industry? Hon KIM CHANCE
I refer to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures that show national lamb slaughters are at their highest since recording began in 1979, and to the reported comment of market analyst Peter Weeks that the national sheep flock is down to the 1925 level. (1) What is the historically comparable status of Western Australian sheep flock numbers and lamb slaughters? (2) Is it the case that WA is expecting its smallest wool clip since the 1940s? (3) Given that the national levels are described by Mr Weeks as close to critical and likely to drop even further, what is the prediction for WA sheep numbers for both meat and wool? (4) Given that it takes considerable breeding time to rebuild flocks, what incentives are being offered to farmers by the state government to ensure the viability of the local sheep industry? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(1) What is the historically comparable status of Western Australian sheep flock numbers and lamb slaughters? (2) Is it the case that WA is expecting its smallest wool clip since the 1940s? (3) Given that the national levels are described by Mr Weeks as close to critical and likely to drop even further, what is the prediction for WA sheep numbers for both meat and wool? (4) Given that it takes considerable breeding time to rebuild flocks, what incentives are being offered to farmers by the state government to ensure the viability of the local sheep industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(2) Is it the case that WA is expecting its smallest wool clip since the 1940s? (3) Given that the national levels are described by Mr Weeks as close to critical and likely to drop even further, what is the prediction for WA sheep numbers for both meat and wool? (4) Given that it takes considerable breeding time to rebuild flocks, what incentives are being offered to farmers by the state government to ensure the viability of the local sheep industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(3) Given that the national levels are described by Mr Weeks as close to critical and likely to drop even further, what is the prediction for WA sheep numbers for both meat and wool? (4) Given that it takes considerable breeding time to rebuild flocks, what incentives are being offered to farmers by the state government to ensure the viability of the local sheep industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(4) Given that it takes considerable breeding time to rebuild flocks, what incentives are being offered to farmers by the state government to ensure the viability of the local sheep industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(1) What is the historically comparable status of Western Australian sheep flock numbers and lamb slaughters? (2) Is it the case that WA is expecting its smallest wool clip since the 1940s? (3) Given that the national levels are described by Mr Weeks as close to critical and likely to drop even further, what is the prediction for WA sheep numbers for both meat and wool? (4) Given that it takes considerable breeding time to rebuild flocks, what incentives are being offered to farmers by the state government to ensure the viability of the local sheep industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(2) Is it the case that WA is expecting its smallest wool clip since the 1940s? (3) Given that the national levels are described by Mr Weeks as close to critical and likely to drop even further, what is the prediction for WA sheep numbers for both meat and wool? (4) Given that it takes considerable breeding time to rebuild flocks, what incentives are being offered to farmers by the state government to ensure the viability of the local sheep industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(3) Given that the national levels are described by Mr Weeks as close to critical and likely to drop even further, what is the prediction for WA sheep numbers for both meat and wool? (4) Given that it takes considerable breeding time to rebuild flocks, what incentives are being offered to farmers by the state government to ensure the viability of the local sheep industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(4) Given that it takes considerable breeding time to rebuild flocks, what incentives are being offered to farmers by the state government to ensure the viability of the local sheep industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
I thank Hon Brian Ellis for this question. (1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(1) Based on reports of the last available statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of sheep and lambs in WA at 30 June 2006 was 23 million. Industry estimates indicate that numbers may have declined to between 19 million and 20 million at 30 June 2007. If that is the case, that would be the lowest level since the mid 1960s in Western Australia. Lamb slaughters in WA for 2002-03 were 2 021 000; 2003-04, 2 392 000; 2004-05, 2 467 000; 2005-06, 2 798 000 - the highest recorded in Western Australia; and 2006-07, 2 523 000. (2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(2) Australian Wool Innovation Ltd has forecast wool production in Western Australia to be 95 million kilograms - greasy - in 2007-08 compared with 105 million kilograms in 2006-07. The forecast for 2007-08 is the lowest level since the mid 1960s. (3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(3) The current estimate for sheep numbers in Western Australia in 2008 is around 19 million, both for sheep and wool. (4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
(4) Sheep numbers have declined due to seasonal and market factors. However, many producers have retained their core ewe flocks. This strategy provides the capacity to rebuild flocks as seasonal conditions and industry profitability permits. The state government provided $9.1 million under the dry season assistance scheme in August 2007. Initially, 14 shires were identified as eligible under the scheme, and on 31 October an additional 23 shires in the agricultural and pastoral regions were included. Under that scheme, farmers and pastoralists are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $8 000 to assist with costs incurred for freight on agistment, fodder and water. The funds can also be used to assist with destocking to improve water supplies, develop feedlot infrastructure, access professional advice as well as for a range of other core issues associated with operating a farm, including the payment of rates. In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
In addition, the state government has been successful in its application for federal assistance under the joint commonwealth-state exceptional circumstances provisions for the northern wheatbelt and the north of the eastern wheatbelt and has made application for the extension of the southern pastoral regional exceptional circumstances area.
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