Producer Funds Deliver Almost $5 Million Investment in South Australia’s Livestock Industr
South Australia’s sheep and cattle industries will benefit from almost $5 million in producer-funded
investment during 2026-27, backing projects and activities that strengthen biosecurity and animal
health, improve predator and pest management, support future industry leaders, drive innovation,
build workforce capability and enhance the long-term competitiveness of the state’s livestock sector.
A total of $3.76 million has been committed through the Sheep Industry Fund (SIF) and $598,318
through the Cattle Industry Fund (CIF) for projects and activities in 2026-27, ensuring producer
contributions continue to deliver practical outcomes for livestock businesses across South Australia.
In addition to project funding, the SIF will contribute $250,000 towards the rebuilding of the SA Dog
Fence and $390,420 towards its ongoing maintenance, helping protect sheep enterprises across
South Australia’s pastoral regions.
The approved projects are also expected to leverage substantial co-investment from research
organisations, universities, government programs and industry partners, increasing the return on
every dollar invested by South Australian sheep and cattle producers.
Livestock SA Chief Executive Officer, Travis Tobin said the funding demonstrated the value of South
Australia’s unique industry funding model, with producer contributions being invested directly into
projects that deliver measurable benefits to the sheep and cattle sectors.
“Every dollar invested through the Sheep and Cattle Industry Funds is working to build a stronger,
more productive and more profitable future for South Australia’s livestock producers,” Mr Tobin said.
“These investments don’t simply fund projects. They strengthen our biosecurity systems, support
innovation, improve productivity, develop future industry leaders and help protect the market access
and reputation that underpin the success of South Australian livestock businesses.”
Mr Tobin said this year’s funding round again highlighted the strong demand for industry-led
investment. “The quality of applications continues to demonstrate the innovation, commitment and
ambition that exists throughout our livestock industries.”
“While not every project could be funded, the level of interest shows there is no shortage of ideas
and opportunities that can help strengthen the industry's future.”
New At Call Funds have also been established through both the SIF and CIF to provide greater
flexibility to invest in emerging priorities, strategic opportunities and unforeseen challenges outside
the traditional annual funding round. The funds will ensure industry can act quickly when new
opportunities arise or when timely intervention is required.
“The livestock sector operates in a dynamic environment, and opportunities can emerge at any
time,” Mr Tobin said.
“The At Call Funds will allow industry to respond more quickly when important opportunities arise,
whether that involves leveraging external investment, supporting a strategic industry priority or
addressing a challenge that cannot wait until the next funding round.”
The highly subscribed Small Project Funds have also been retained, recognising the important role
smaller initiatives play in supporting industry development, producer capability and regional
communities. These funds provide a practical pathway for local and industry-led projects to access
support and deliver benefits back to producers.
SIF funded projects in 2026-27
• SA Sheep Biosecurity Program
• SA Biosecurity Extension
• Field validation and proof-of-concept to extend the M. ovipneumoniae lateral flow assay
(LFA) program
• Sheep Blowfly Sterile Insect Technique – Implementation (Year 4)
• Toxoplasma gondii Vaccine for Sheep
• Sheep Pain Mitigation Program (Year 5)
• Eradicating Wild Dogs from Sheep Country
• SA Sheep Industry Development
• South Australian Sheep Expo
• Farm Gross Margin and Excel Guide 2027
• Empowering SA Sheep Industry Women
• SA Merino Sire Evaluation
• Adelaide University Meat Judging Team – Intercollegiate Meat Judging Program
• Sheep and Wool Producer Communications
• Lead Agriculture Teacher for SA
• At Call Fund
• Small Project Fund
CIF funded projects in 2026-27
• NLIS Cattle Compliance Program
• SA Biosecurity Extension
• SA Junior Heifer Expo
• Adelaide University Meat Judging Team – Intercollegiate Meat Judging Program
• Growing Beef Industry Leaders
• SA Beef Cattle Industry Development
• At Call Fund
• Small Project Fund
For more information about the 2026-27 SIF and CIF approved projects, visit
https://livestocksa.com.au/industry-funds
ENDS
CEO, Travis Tobin is available for interview.
Further information:
Cathy McHugh
Marketing and Media Manager
0412 515 819
comms@livestocksa.com.au
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