The second Annual Report of the Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) was released last week at a launch event at Anlaby Station in South Australia revealing the broadest range of data to date on the performance of the Australian wool and sheepmeat industry.

One of the key priorities of the Framework is to reduce the industry’s net greenhouse gas emissions. The CSIRO reports net emissions generated from Australian sheepmeat and wool production in the latest reporting period (2020) was 9.49Mt CO2e, down from 10.21Mt CO2e in 2019 and 11.39Mt CO2e in 2018.

Other highlights include:

• The percentage of non-mulesed/ ceased mulesed bales offered has risen to 15.8 per cent (Merino) and 40.1 per cent (non-Merino).
• Zero fatalities in the sheep industry in the latest reporting period (2020-21)
• Sheep mortality on ships during export has declined to 0.14 per cent
• The percentage of Australians who believe Australian lambs are farmed and raised in a humane manner has risen to 55 per cent (from 53 per cent)
• Investment in wool research, development and adoption has increased 18.5 per cent to $32.7m
• Rise in Australia’s value share of global sheepmeat exports (45 per cent) and global wool exports (75.5 per cent)
• The percentage of sheep-grazing land achieving 50 per cent ground cover is holding steady at 62.2 per cent
• Australia continues to be declared free from 12 major diseases
• 91 per cent of producers use vaccinations to prevent disease and protect their flock (new data)
• 50 per cent of sheep producers generate and use renewable energy (new data).

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 17 May 2023.