QUEENSLAND sheep and wool producers are the most positive they have been in years following a good winter, strong commodity prices and the continued rollout of wild dog fencing, AgForce Sheep and Wool president Alan Rae said today.
The AgForce Sheep and Wool board held its first meeting for 2017 in Brisbane this week with wild dogs dominating discussion.
Mr Rae said wild dogs were an ongoing threat to the sheep and wool industry, but producers were buoyed by the premier’s visit to the Longreach region this week to inspect fencing progress and reaffirm her commitment to protect the industry.
“Without fences, there’s no sheep, it’s as simple as that. For producers who have built fences, the results have been amazing with lambing percentages going from less than 20 per cent to more than 90pc,” he said.
“AgForce is extremely grateful for the funding provided for wild dog fencing to date, and we encourage the Queensland government to work with the federal government to deliver more fencing in sheep-growing areas.
“It’s also vital that producers in clusters work together to tackle wild dog problems and look after neighbours with continued baiting, trapping and shooting programs outside clusters.”
Mr Rae said the Sheep Meat Council of Australia had addressed the Board to discuss the work they do for the sheep industry, while the AgForce Sheep and Wool board also had a robust discussion about amalgamation of the sheep industry peak bodies.
“After going backwards for years, it’s wonderful to see the revival of the sheep and wool industry in Queensland and there was a very positive vibe among producers at this week’s meeting,” he said.
Mr Rae also welcomed Barcaldine producer Paul Doneley as the new youth director on the AgForce Sheep and Wool board and said it was great to see the next generation getting involved to help shape the industry’s future.