Lyla Lindsey
Australia has a lot of sheep, with approximately 70 million sheep within its borders as of 2022. The country has a long history of sheep farming, and the industry is a significant contributor to the economy, particularly in Western Australia. In 2021/22, the Western Australian sheep industry contributed $1.35 billion to the state's economy, with wool making up $655 million and the sheepmeat sector worth $692 million. While Western Australia has a large number of sheep, other states also have significant sheep populations. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data from 2021 revealed that there were 10 local government areas (LGAs) with sheep and lamb populations above 1 million. Naracoorte in South Australia, for example, had a population of 1,000,012 sheep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the most sheep in Australia | Western Australia |
| Number of sheep in Western Australia | 12.4 million as of July 2022 |
| Number of sheep producers in Western Australia | More than 4000 |
| Percentage of producers managing a flock of more than 500 sheep | 82% |
| Top LGA for sheep and lamb population in Australia | Naracoorte, SA with 1,000,012 |
| Total number of sheep in Australia | 70 million |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia has 12.4 million sheep and lambs
Western Australia is home to a significant number of sheep and lambs, with a count of 12.4 million as of July 2022. This makes it one of the top sheep-producing regions in Australia. The southern agricultural region of WA is particularly prominent in sheep farming, with 82% of producers managing flocks of over 500 sheep.
The WA sheep industry is a vital contributor to the state's economy. In 2021-22, the industry accounted for 43% of the value of all livestock industries in the state, generating a gross value of $1.35 billion. This includes a contribution of $655 million from wool and $692 million from the sheep meat sector.
However, the WA sheep flock has been declining in recent years. Between 2010/11 and 2018/19, the flock size remained relatively stable, ranging from 13.7 to 15.2 million. Since then, it has decreased further, reaching its lowest point since 1952 in 2022, with 12.2 million sheep. This decline is attributed to challenging seasonal conditions and a high turn-off during 2023, including a significant increase in sheep slaughter due to dry conditions.
To illustrate the scale of the industry in WA, the total combined sheep turn-off, encompassing slaughter, live export, and interstate transfers, reached 4.4 million head in 2021/22. This marked a 21% decrease compared to the previous five-year average of 5.8 million. The highest recorded total slaughter in WA occurred in 1976, when 6.4 million sheep were slaughtered, comprising 4.5 million adult sheep and 1.9 million lambs.
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WA's sheep industry contributed $1.35 billion to the state economy in 2021/22
Western Australia's (WA) sheep industry is a significant contributor to the state's economy. In 2021/22, the industry generated a gross value of production of $1.35 billion, accounting for 43% of the value of all livestock industries in WA. This contribution marked a notable increase from the previous year, when the combined sheepmeat and wool industries contributed $1.18 billion.
The WA sheep industry comprises two primary sectors: wool and sheepmeat. In 2021/22, the wool sector contributed $655 million to the state's economy, representing 21% of the value of all livestock industries. This decline in exports was due to a drop in demand and reduced production levels caused by dry seasons. The global shift towards working from home during the Corona virus outbreak in 2020 also played a role in decreasing demand for wool and woollen clothing. Despite these challenges, the wool sector remains vital to WA's economy.
The sheepmeat sector, on the other hand, was worth $692 million in 2021/22, constituting 22% of the value of the livestock sector. This sector includes sheep slaughtered for meat, which has remained relatively steady over the last decade. However, in 2023, sheep slaughter increased by 61% year-on-year to 1.9 million head, the highest since 2008. This increase is expected to impact flock numbers, particularly given the dry conditions in 2023 and continuing into 2024.
The majority of WA's sheep are located in the southern agricultural region, with a significant number managed by mixed farming enterprises that produce both sheep and crops. The medium rainfall zone, from Perth to Albany, and the cereal sheep zone, from Geraldton to Esperance, are the highest sheep-producing regions in the state. While the medium rainfall zone typically runs larger flocks, the dry conditions in 2023 have likely impacted their operations.
In summary, WA's sheep industry is a key economic driver, with the sheepmeat and wool sectors contributing a combined $1.35 billion in 2021/22. However, the industry faces challenges due to fluctuating demand, weather conditions, and the impact of global events.
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Naracoorte, SA, has over 1 million sheep
Australia is known for its large sheep population, and the state of South Australia is a significant contributor to this. Within South Australia, the town of Naracoorte stands out as a hub for sheep farming. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2021 records, Naracoorte is one of the top LGAs in the country for sheep and lamb populations, boasting over 1 million sheep.
The Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange is South Australia's largest saleyard facility, playing a vital role in the region's economy. In the last financial year, the exchange saw 480,000 sheep pass through, grossing $149.9 million. This facility is highly regarded and considered one of Australia's premier saleyards.
The sheep industry is a crucial economic sector in Naracoorte, with the town's saleyards attracting buyers from various categories, including lambs for paddock, feed, trade, and export. The quality of the sheep varies, with some agents offering heavy lambs in excellent condition, while others present more average or varied quality.
The surrounding region of Naracoorte is also notable for its sheep production. The nearby Naracoorte Lucindale Council area, which includes both medium rainfall and cereal sheep zones, is home to many sheep producers. These producers contribute significantly to the state's sheepmeat and wool industries, which have a gross value of over $1 billion to the WA economy.
While Western Australia has experienced a decline in its sheep flock in recent years, the southern agricultural region of WA remains an important sheep-farming area, with most sheep located there. Naracoorte's position within this region contributes to its status as a leading sheep-producing area in Australia.
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Queensland is one of the top sheep-producing regions
In addition to having a high number of sheep and lambs, Queensland is also a top region for cattle production. All 10 of the largest cattle-producing LGAs in Australia are located in Queensland or the Northern Territory. Queensland's cattle industry is significant, with 9 out of the 10 LGAs having cattle populations exceeding 500,000 head.
The state's vast improved pastures and grazing lands contribute to its success in livestock production. The availability of extensive land suitable for grazing allows farmers to raise large herds of sheep and cattle. This, coupled with favourable climatic conditions in certain regions, makes Queensland an ideal location for livestock farming.
While Queensland excels in sheep and cattle production, other states also have notable sheep populations. For instance, Victoria is known for prime lamb production, with West Wimmera being one of the top LGAs for lamb producers. Similarly, South Australia has prominent sheep-producing regions, with Naracoorte and Tatiara being among the top LGAs for sheep and lamb populations.
Queensland's position as a leading sheep-producing region in Australia is evident through its vast improved pastures, high sheep and lamb populations, and significant contribution to the country's cattle industry. The state's favourable agricultural conditions and large grazing lands make it a prime location for livestock farming, solidifying its reputation as one of Australia's top regions for sheep production.
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Sheep farming is a large industry in Australia
Sheep farming is a significant economic contributor to the states of Australia, with the Western Australian sheep industry contributing 43% of the value of all livestock industries in the state in 2021-22. The combined sheep meat and wool industries contributed a gross value of $1.35 billion to the state's economy, with wool making up $655 million and sheep meat worth $692 million. In 2024, the industry revenue was expected to be $3.4 billion, with an anticipated revenue surge of 11.2% in 2024-25 due to record turn-off numbers and rising sheep and wool prices.
The high rainfall sheep farming zone, which includes coastal areas from Queensland to South Australia, Tasmania, and southwest Western Australia, is crucial for prime lamb production. Sheep are also raised in most agricultural regions of Australia, with one-third of the total sheep population grazing in the dry "pastoral zone". The majority of sheep in Western Australia are located in the southern agricultural region, with very few in the rangeland areas. Sheep producers in the medium rainfall zone (the southwest area from Perth to Albany) and the cereal sheep zone (extending from Geraldton to Esperance) account for most of the sheep production in the state.
Sheep farming in Australia has faced challenges due to tough seasonal conditions and high turn-off rates, with the total combined sheep turn-off (including slaughter, live export, and interstate transfers) declining by 21% in 2021-22 compared to the previous five-year average. The number of lambs sold to meat processors has reached record levels in recent years, driven by high turn-off rates. The industry has also experienced a decline in wool prices.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia had the most sheep as of July 2022, with a flock of 12.4 million sheep and lambs.
There are approximately 70 million sheep in Australia as of 2025.
I cannot find a clear answer, but it appears that Queensland and South Australia are among the top sheep-producing states.
