SOUTH Australian livestock producers will vote this month on proposals to increase per head contributions to the state’s Sheep Industry Fund and a collection change for the cattle fund.
Producers who own and sell sheep or cattle in South Australia are eligible to vote on a proposed staged increase to the SIF contribution rate from $0.55 to $0.75 per head by 2028, and an increase to the transaction trigger price from $5 to $10 per head.
The proposed Cattle Industry Fund changes include a shift from per‑tag to per‑transaction collection, with the contribution rate to remain at $1.50 per head.
Under the Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act 1998, the Sheep and Cattle Industry Fund regulations will be remade by 1 September 2026. While the process is a statutory requirement, Livestock SA chair, Gillian Fennell said the outcome will be determined by producer participation. Each eligible producer may submit one vote.
Livestock SA said the proposals are not predetermined outcomes; the industry vote will determine the final recommendations.
“This is the point at which producers decide what the final proposal looks like,” Ms Fennell said.
“The vote will directly shape the recommendations Livestock SA submits to government, and it is critical that producers take this opportunity to have their say.”
The proposed changes have been developed following extensive consultation with South Australian sheep and cattle producers through regional meetings, online webinars and written feedback, as well as independent analysis of fund performance and long-term sustainability, Livestock SA said.
Ms Fennell said the industry funds play a vital role in protecting productivity and market access by funding animal health and biosecurity programs, traceability, predator control, workforce capability, advocacy and industry development.
“Independent analysis continues to show strong returns on investment from these funds, but contribution rates have not changed since 2016, while costs and risks facing the industry have increased,” she said.
“Without reform, fewer priorities can be funded at a time when compliance, biosecurity, market access, and regulatory pressures are growing.
“These proposals are not predetermined outcomes,” Ms Fennell said.
“They have been put forward for consideration with the reasons why they are needed outlined, but it is the industry vote that will determine the final recommendations.”
Voting is open during April and is being conducted online. Anyone who owns and sells sheep or cattle in South Australia is eligible to vote.
Full voting details and supporting information are available at:
https://livestocksa.com.au/industry-funds/pifs-review-2026-vote
Good to see that you are democratic on your voting, unlike Cattle Australia.
Australian Cattle Industry Council