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Each year WA's livestock export industry contributes over $470 million to the WA economy, employs over 7,000 Western Australians and supports thousands of WA farming families and communities.*

Why export livestock?

One of the ways WA farmers earn their living is through exporting their livestock to countries that require live animals. Sheep from WA are exported to the Middle East to feed communities with what is often their only source of meat and protein. Australia also exports chilled/frozen meat to the region which is purchased by high-end restaurants and hotels.

How important is the trade to WA?

This trade is vital to Western Australia’s farmers and there is strong demand for the high quality, disease-free livestock they produce.

Over 60% of sheep sold in WA each year are exported to the Middle East. In 2008 WA exported 3.2 million sheep – 75% of the national total. The loss of this trade would devastate WA producers and their local communities.

Why do we need the trade?

If the trade were to cease many WA families and communities would lose their jobs, their incomes and their livelihoods. The extra sheep on the domestic market may also lead to oversupply with disastrous consequences for farmers across Australia. Animal welfare would also suffer, as the countries that would replace Australia in overseas markets don’t share our commitment to animal welfare.

Australia’s commitment to animal welfare and the way our livestock are cared for on farms, on board vessels and in overseas marketplaces is recognised as the best in the world.**

Australian farmers are committed to providing for their families and communities, to caring for the land and the livestock they rear.