MLA launches WA Sheep Transition Hub to support producers through industry change
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has launched a new platform to support Western Australian sheep producers as the industry navigates the live sheep export phase out in May 2028. It is designed to bring together tools, insights and investment information in one central location.
The Hub has been designed to provide producers with practical, relevant information to support on-farm decision making and longer-term business planning, while also highlighting the breadth of work underway to strengthen demand and improve productivity across the sheep value chain.
MLA Group Manager – Livestock and Land Productivity, Dr David Beatty, said the platform was about making it easier for producers to access the information and support they need.
“This Hub brings together the latest market intelligence, demand insights and on-farm innovation in one place, so producers can stay informed through access to tailored and regionally relevant resources,” Dr Beatty said.
These insights are complemented by initiatives such as the Lambassador program, the Aussie Meat Academy, and MLA’s market and consumer research, which collectively support stronger demand by building capability and advocacy across key domestic and international markets.
MLA’s international marketing and market development efforts are also highlighted, including the deployment of sheepmeat technical specialists to strengthen in-market knowledge and promote the quality and consistency of Australian products. This work supports both emerging and established export opportunities for Western Australian producers.
Dr Beatty said maintaining strong demand was critical as the industry adapts.
“Programs like Lambassador, the Aussie Meat Academy and our in-market technical teams are all about building confidence in Australian sheepmeat with customers and consumers,” Dr Beatty said.
“That demand pull is essential to supporting long-term value for producers.”
Alongside market insights, the Hub showcases MLA’s research, development and adoption investments focused on improving on-farm productivity and business performance.
This includes value chain initiatives such as objective measurement projects and the SheepLinks program, as well as mixed farming innovations like optimising stubble grazing in the Great Southern, standing fodder crops for finishing lambs, and programs such as Feed365 and FutureSheep.
Producers can also explore practical approaches to evolving production systems, including confinement feeding, with resources that assess economic benefits, outline system design options, and support implementation.
“We’re also highlighting practical, proven tools that producers can adopt now, from feedbase and grazing systems through to new approaches like confinement feeding,” Dr Beatty said.
“The focus is on improving productivity and resilience at the farm level.”
In addition, the platform connects users with relevant grants and funding opportunities to support the transition, including the Australian Government’s Transition Assistance Package, DPIRD’s Supply Chain Capacity Program, and targeted support for transport operators through the Livestock Transport Industry Transition program.
MLA encourages Western Australian sheep producers to explore the Hub and engage with the tools, programs and opportunities available to support a productive and profitable future.
To find out more, visit: WA Sheep Transition Hub
