Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
Australia is home to about 76 million sheep. Historically, the Sheep Farming industry's biggest share of revenue has come from producing wool. While many farmers shifted their operations from wool growing to meat production over the past five years, wool remains the industry's number one source of revenue. As demand from Asian markets for premium wool products has grown, the industry has benefited. High prices for superfine wool (18.5 micron and finer) helped the industry perform particularly well in 2010-11, with revenue growing 14.5% over the twelve months. Overall, wool prices have recovered from depths of 2008-09 and helped boost the profit margins of sheep farmers. Industry revenue is expected to grow an annualised 1.6% over the five years through 2012-13... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry Analysis Chapter
The prospects for sheep farmers appear to be improving. Drought conditions have eased across the eastern seaboard and demand for wool and slaughtered lambs remains strong. Producers in eastern Australia are seeking to increase their flocks while there is plenty of fodder around due to improved conditions. While lamb and wool prices have come off the record highs that occurred in 2010-11 and 2011-12, they remain high by historical standards. The severely depleted size of the national sheep flock appears to be recovering from the depths of 2009-10 as environmental conditions improve. Over the five years through 2012-13, industry revenue is expected to increase at an annualised 1.6% to reach $3.16 billion... purchase to read more