FURTHER funding for the livestock transport sector and farm businesses has been announced under the Federal Government’s live sheep export transition program.
Round 2 of the Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program has opened up to 13 July 2026, and Round 2 of the Farm Business Transition Program will open from Tuesday 19 May to 15 July 2026.
A total of $1.5 million will be available across both rounds of the livestock transport program, with grants of up to $40,000 (GST exclusive) available to operators to support transition activities.
The Federal Government said it will provide a total of $30 million across both rounds of the farm business program, with grants of up to $75,000 (GST exclusive) available per eligible applicant.
The Albanese Labor Government said it is continuing to assist sheep farmers, livestock transport operators and regional communities through the phase out of live sheep exports by sea from 1 May 2028, with the further funding for two transition programs.
The programs form part of the government’s transition assistance package totalling about $140 million.
More than $690,000 was awarded to 20 livestock transport operators through round one of the Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program earlier this year. It aims to assist livestock transport operators to diversify and transition into other transport-related activities ahead of the phase out of the export trade.
The Federal Government said the Farm Business Transition Program assists sheep producers to adopt alternative farming systems and practices that strengthen long-term business resilience, sustainability and profitability. Funding is available for tailored business planning and a range of eligible activities, including infrastructure upgrades, equipment purchases, workforce training, innovation adoption and alternative management practices. More than $10 million was awarded to 180 producers to support implementation activities through round one of this program.
Applicants for both programs must provide a dollar-for-dollar cash co-contribution and demonstrate they have actively participated in the live sheep export trade since 1 July 2020.
Sheep producers who have applied for funding under the Supply Chain Capacity Program may also be eligible to apply for the Farm Business Transition Program, subject to the eligibility requirements outlined in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the Albanese Labor Government is committed to ensuring sheep producers, transport operators and regional communities can confidently plan for the future.
“Through the transition assistance package we are continuing to work closely with industry to deliver practical, targeted support that helps farmers and businesses.
“These programs are helping businesses through the phase out of live sheep exports by sea with investments that strengthen resilience, improve productivity and create new opportunities,” she said.
Further information on both programs is available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s website.
Never mind the price losses incurred during the Western Australian sell off two years ago. The Victorian saleyards prices fluctuated $30-$40 from week to week depending on how many sheep came over from the west. It helped the WA farmers a little; at least they got $10 or $12 dollars a head instead of a bill from their yards.