E.SUS.0005 Project Proof - Sheep

Project start date: 10 December 2021
Project end date: 30 December 2022
Publication date: 26 April 2024
Project status: Completed
Livestock species: Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Lamb
Relevant regions: National
Download Report (1.3 MB)

Summary

The Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) was launched in March 2021. The framework is constructed around the key themes of caring for sheep, enhancing the environment and climate, looking after people, customers and the community and ensuring a financially resilient industry. Quantitative studies were conducted by MLA and AWI in the years preceding the SSF launch however post launch, a more comprehensive survey was needed to track previous metrics and establish benchmarks for new SSF metrics. An online and telephone survey of 2,003 sheep producers involving 1,203 Merino producers and 800 non-Merino producers was therefore conducted in May to July 2022. The research identified that sheep producers have adopted, to different degrees, many of the animal husbandry, management and environmental practices that form part of a sustainable operation. The industry will benefit from the research as it will help guide MLA in identifying key sustainability priorities for future industry levy investment.

Objectives

The primary objective of this project was to benchmark and track key metrics and practices that underline the Sheep Sustainability Framework to help guide MLA’s investment and project planning and provide transparency of production to consumer markets both domestically and internationally.

More information

Project manager: Sarah Hyland
Contact email: reportts@mla.com.au