South Australia’s livestock industry is set to benefit from an injection of up to $6.2m of industry funds to support the sector.

The funds collected into the Sheep Industry and Cattle Industry Funds during the 2022-23 financial year will go towards 29 projects recommended by the Livestock SA Sheep and Cattle Industry Fund Boards to help maintain market access, support animal health, disease surveillance and traceability, predator control and more.

In addition, dedicated Sheep Industry Funds will continue to support the maintenance and rebuild of the Dog Fence.

Some of the 2023-24 projects to be funded include:

– The continuation of the Footrot Management Program delivered by Biosecurity SA to reduce the animal welfare issues and economic impact of footrot in South Australian sheep.

– Ongoing Sheep Lice Compliance Program aimed at minimizing the impact of sheep live on the industry by providing education, advice, inspection services and compliance action.

– National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) Compliance Programs for both Sheep and Cattle to support industry monitoring and enforcing compliance with identification and traceability standards for the purpose of disease control, food safety and market access.

– Implementation of the Sheep Blowfly Sterile Insect Technique program led by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)* aimed at controlling sheep blowfly within a four-year pilot project on Kangaroo Island.

Part of this funding will also be set aside from both funds towards small projects that are identified during the course of the year as having the potential to assist in industry development.

The Sheep Industry Fund and Cattle Industry Fund are established under the Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act 1998 and provide a way for South Australia’s primary industry sectors to raise funds so they can favourably position themselves in the national and international marketplace.