Industry vote now open on future of Sheep and Cattle Industry Funds
Livestock SA has today opened industry voting on proposed updates to the Sheep Industry Fund (SIF) and Cattle Industry Fund (CIF), marking the final stage of the scheduled review and remaking of the regulations governing the two funds.
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.
“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 longterm sustainability.
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.”
The vote covers proposed changes to the contribution arrangements for both funds, with a staged increase to the Sheep Industry Fund contribution rate and a move to per transaction collection for the Cattle Industry Fund contributions.
“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
Ends
Chair Gillian Fennell is available for interview.
Further information:
Cathy McHugh
Communications Manager
0412 515 819
About Livestock SA:
Livestock SA is the peak industry body representing South Australia’s livestock producers, including more than 5,200 sheep producers, 2,700 beef cattle producers and several hundred goat producers across the state.
South Australia’s red meat and wool industries contribute approximately $4.49 billion to the state’s economy each year, and employ over 21,000 South Australians, accounting for 28% of all agricultural sector jobs.