Australia produces the world's best lamb and wool, thanks to Aussie farmers.
There are close to 20,000 agricultural businesses involved in sheep and lamb in Australia that play an important role in regional employment.
Most are small and medium sized, and family run businesses. Farmers typically earn income from both meat and wool, and many diversify further through beef cattle and crops. As of June 2022, there were 70 million head of sheep in Australia (ABS).
Australia’s sheep industry is an extensive pasture-based industry, with an average flock size of 2,000 sheep. Sheep are produced in a wide range of climates; from the arid and semi-arid parts of the inland region, to the medium to high rainfall areas of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and southern Western Australia.
Sheep play an integral role in the ability of Australian farmers to sustainably manage the land. When managed well, sheep can regenerate the land on which they graze by controlling and managing weed infestation, helping regenerate pastures, and encouraging an increase in soil biota diversity.
By protecting, supporting and encouraging biodiversity in the soil, vegetation, insect life and fauna, sheep producers are ensuring that the farm ecosystem can thrive.
Proudly feeding the world
Given Australia's limited market, the ongoing viability of sheep production in Australia relies heavily on exports. Sheepmeat is one of Australia's largest agricultural export sectors, valued at $4.5bn in 2022-23. This represents a significant, resilient and consistent contribution to Australia's economy.
We export as much as 70% of our lamb, over 90% of our mutton and our key export markets include the US, China, Korea, Malaysia, the Middle East and North Africa region. Australia is also the world's largest exporter of wool.
Australia's market access is interlinked with our strong reputation for providing high quality, safe and consistent products. This reputation, and trust, has been earned through:
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our proven track record in animal health and food safety
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our world-leading livestock traceability system
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freedom from major livestock diseases and effective disease management
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strict animal welfare practices
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consistent and reliable, quality products.
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