Sheep Sustainability Framework insights to help shape The Future Flock

Sheep Producers Australia has welcomed the release of the Sheep Sustainability Framework (the Framework) 2025 Annual Report, highlighting how the Framework’s insights will directly shape the development of The Future Flock - the industry’s new whole-of-sector initiative designed to support long-term resilience, alignment and investment.

Developed and owned by the Australian sheepmeat and wool industries, the Sheep Sustainability Framework provides one of the industry’s most comprehensive evidence bases – with now years of reporting across key sustainability metrics.

Sheep Producers Australia CEO Bonnie Skinner said that this year’s results demonstrate strong progress and create a clear platform for the work ahead.

“The Sheep Sustainability Framework gives us important data needed to inform the development of The Future Flock - our opportunity to bring the industry together, align investment and drive practical, national action,” she said. “The insights in this report will help shape where The Future Flock focuses its effort and where the industry can have the greatest impact.”

The 2025 Sheep Sustainability Framework Report shows encouraging gains across animal welfare, environmental stewardship and workforce wellbeing. Expanded metrics on lamb survival, conservation practices and community connectedness reflect the Framework’s evolution and its capacity to capture a broader, more meaningful picture of industry performance.

The report also highlights key challenges - including reduced profitability, labour constraints and climate-related risks - reinforcing the need for coordinated industry-wide responses.

“The pressures producers are facing are significant, from seasonal volatility to tightening margins and workforce shortages,” Ms Skinner said. “These are shared challenges, and the Sheep Sustainability Framework underscores the need for collective, strategic action.”

SPA will also use the priorities identified in the Sheep Sustainability Framework to help guide national conversations.

“As one of the industry owners of the Sheep Sustainability Framework, SPA uses this information to guide our policy, advocacy and program development,” Ms Skinner said. “This ensures our work remains grounded in evidence, aligned with producer needs and responsive to global market expectations.”