Led by Sheep Producers Australia and WoolProducers Australia, the SSF was launched in 2021, with the first Annual Report released a year later, containing 58 indicators under four themes: Caring for Our Sheep; Enhancing the Environment and Climate; Looking after Our People, Our Customers, and the Community; and Ensuring a Financially Resilient Industry.

SSF Sustainability Steering Group (SSG) Chair, Dr Scott Williams, said the Annual Report had made notable gains in its reporting capacity over the past year, with a range of new information being added in 2023, including 25 new baseline data points in the latest iteration.

“When we launched the inaugural Annual Report in 2022 just over half of the indicators were reported with data,” Dr Williams said.

“Today, 91 per cent of our indicators are reported with data and we are on track for 100 per cent next year. These metrics allow us to determine directional changes over time, highlight our successes, identify areas for improvement and demonstrate the sustainability credentials of one of Australia’s most important industries.”

Key points:

Second Annual Report of the Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) tracking performance of sheep and wool industry

Directional improvements across 18 indicators with 8 indicators holding steady

Sheep industry net emissions have fallen steadily over the reporting period

Australians who believe lambs are farmed and raised in a humane manner rises to 55%

Increase in non-mulesed/ceased-mulesed declared Merino and non-Merino wool

Increase in Australia’s value share of global wool and sheepmeat exports.

For more information, read the 2023 Annual Report online

https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/sheep-sustainability/sheep_sustainability_2023_web-10may2023.pdf