12 September 2022.
AgForce has unveiled a new website that shines the spotlight on the true potential of Queensland’s sheep and goat industries - with figures revealing small livestock numbers and commodity prices have increased up to six times since 2016.
The site was created to accompany agriculture’s long-awaited Blueprint to Enhance the Growth of the Queensland Sheep and Goat Industries, and highlights why now is the best time in a long time to invest in small livestock.
Complete with producer case studies, videos, and graphs, the scrolly-telling website tells the story of an industry poised to take off – something that has AgForce’s Sheep & Wool Board President Mike Pratt enthusiastic for the future.
He said: “We launched the Blueprint itself last year with the goal of doubling the value of sheep and goat production in Queensland to $350 million by 2026.
“It sounds like a bold vision, but when you scroll through the website and listen to the case studies and read the numbers you start to get the feeling that it’s really possible, and that resources like this will go a long way towards helping make it a reality.
“Small livestock numbers and commodity prices for wool, mutton, lamb, and goat meat have all increased by up to six times recently, and landholders are embracing innovative approaches to production and sourcing new markets that build more direct relationships with consumers.”
Mr Pratt said in recent years a number of factors had come together to create huge opportunities for producers, including wild dog exclusion fencing, diminishing drought conditions, and strong commodity prices.
“Of course, it’s no accident that the rise of exclusion fencing to curb predation from wild dogs, feral pigs and foxes has coincided with the resurgence in merino numbers and overall confidence for producers in small livestock industries,” he added.
“Hopefully, this new website, and all the work that’s being done behind the scenes will encourage an even greater level of interest, diversification and investment.”
The website, which received $90,000 in State Government funding, has the support of Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner, who has long been championing the sheep and goat meat industry.
“Queensland’s sheep and goat meat industries have an unprecedented opportunity for growth and prosperity,” Mr Furner said.
“The sector is surging back to life after decades of decline caused by wild dogs, poor sheep and wool prices, and drought.
“Global demand for red meat is increasing and prices for sheep and goat meat are forecast to remain strong for the foreseeable future.”
Case studies
Sophie Curtis, Bellevue, Millmerran
David and Clare Paterson, Kaloola, Longreach
Benn Wilson, Wilgunya, Dirranbandi
Ben and Jack Banks, Rivington, Blackall
Matthew Bartlett, Dunblane, Gore
Anita Dennis and Joe Taylor, Coolagh, Blackall
ends
Media enquiries: AgForce Media Advisor Hannah Davies 0434 929 523 or AgForce Sheep and Wool Board President Mike Pratt 0427 585 939