The decline in the sheep flock since the 1990’s has coincided with a corresponding increase in planted crop area. The “fight for acres” has well and truly been won by the grain industry. This has led to a simplistic explanation that young farmers are not interested in sheep, specifically the work involved in managing a sheep flock. Is this true? If we took away the innovations of bulk grain handling and digital precision, would the grain industry still look as attractive to the returning young farmers? The sheep industry has missed similar opportunities and must now embrace innovations that provide solutions to the challenges restricting growth. This will require require “big thinking” and commitment, however the rewards ahead for sheep will encourage the development of an industry that will be seen as being at the “cutting edge” of agriculture.
Sheep Producers Australia
SPA Leadersheep