FOOTROT, lice and Johne’s Disease management, sheep traceability, wild dog control and advocacy projects have been funded in the latest round of industry funding in South Australia.

The State Government has signed off on 22 sheep projects worth $4.3 million and 10 cattle projects worth $870,000 in the 2021-22 allocations recommended by the Livestock SA Sheep and Cattle Industry Fund Boards.

The big ticket items in the 2021-22 round of funding include $1.115m toward rebuilding and maintenance of the SA Dog Fence, $820,000 for Biosecurity SA’s Footrot Management Program, $219,221 toward Johne’s Disease management, $173,781 for the agency’s Sheep Lice Compliance Program, $200,000 for enhanced abattoir surveillance, $262,078 for the sheep NLIS Compliance Program, $380,000 for the Biteback Wild Dog Control Program, $428,500 for the Livestock SA Advocacy Program, $150,000 growth of the Rural Solutions red meat and wool industries program, $104,220 for Sheep Industry Fund governance & administration services and $95,000 for SA Sheep Industry Blueprint implementation.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the funding includes the transfer of just under $4 million to Livestock SA for various industry projects including the implementation of the South Australian Sheep and Beef Industry Blueprints.

“Our red meat, wool and dairy sectors play an important role in the state’s economy generating $4.5 billion in annual production and processing revenue and supporting 30,000 jobs.

“That’s why the Marshall Liberal Government continues its strong support of the state cattle and sheep producers as they rebuild from the impacts of drought and bushfire,” Mr Basham said.

“The projects being delivered through these industry funds will assist in the rebuild and recovery, particularly with farmers starting to increase their flock and herd numbers.

“To further drive growth and development in the industry both funds will jointly contribute $240,000 towards the $7.5 million Red Meat and Wool Growth Program, while more than $1 million of the 2021-22 Sheep Industry Fund have been allocated towards the once in a generation rebuild of the South Australian Dog Fence and its ongoing maintenance.”

Livestock SA president Joe Keynes said the South Australian livestock industry has a renowned reputation in animal health management and biosecurity and these areas will also be further enhanced through fund projects.

“The various projects being managed during the 2021-22 financial year include farm biosecurity and endemic disease management program, researching the benefits of melatonin for ewes, and the SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.”

The funds also sponsor the annual SA Sheep Expo and Junior Heifer Expo.

“The funds are an excellent opportunity for South Australian farmers to influence the direction and development of their industry and have their own resources at hand to do so.

“I would also like to acknowledge the good work and professionalism of the Sheep and Cattle Industry Fund Boards who have assessed and recommended these projects,” he said.

“In addition to the major projects, there is a budget approved within the cattle and sheep Industry funds to support small projects to benefit the industry that may arise throughout the year.

“This flexibility will enable us to further promote industry growth while meeting the needs of members during this period of uncertainty and change.”

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 favorably position themselves in the national and international marketplace.

Click here for more details on 2021-22 Livestock SA projects funded by the Sheep and Cattle Industry Funds.

For more information on the remaining 2021-22 projects visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/livestock.