A Western Australian farmer is preparing to kill 3,000 sheep because he can’t find a buyer for them, or starve them because he can’t feed them all.
Wayne Smith, of Caluka Farms in Narrikup, four hours southeast of Perth, said he was heartbroken by the decision he was forced to make.
“These are very difficult times for sheep farmers in Western Australia,” he posted on social media.
He said it was “a very tearful day for me, organizing with a neighbor to dig a hole big enough to house more than 3,000 sheep.”
“I can’t bear the thought of shooting them,” he added.
‘When no one can buy them, there is no more money to buy them food (if any can be found to buy).
‘In the pastures there is no feed and, sometimes, there is no water, there is no other option.
‘We cannot allow them to suffer hunger and thirst. It breaks our hearts to have to do it. Piercing.
Farmer Wayne Smith of Caluka Farms said he has been crying but is running out of options.
What caused the situation?
The Albanian government has committed to phasing out live sheep exports from Australia by sea, which another WA farmer, Steven Bolt of Claypans Merino Stud, said was causing a “total destruction of the industry”.
‘Farers lose confidence and try to sell their sheep, leading to oversupply on the market and lack of space in the slaughterhouse. Feed costs are sky-high and often there is none available.’
Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt appointed an independent panel to advise on “how and when” to ban exports, which held “very short notice” consultations with farmers last year.
A report was returned to the government at the end of 2023, but farmers do not know how or when the minister intends to close the trade.
Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt during a Senate estimates hearing in February.
The phase-out does not apply to other livestock export industries, such as live cattle exports, nor to live sheep exports by air.
“The phasing out of live sheep exports by sea is a complex issue that will affect farmers, businesses, our trading partners and communities involved in the trade,” Mr Watt said.
‘I am also aware that the wider Australian community is interested in phasing out, including those who want animal welfare to be maintained and improved.
“Along with other measures, such as the creation of a new Animal Welfare Inspector General, the Albanese Government is delivering on our election commitment to strengthen animal welfare in Australia.”
What about Australian supermarkets?
Social media asked Mr Smith if there was any other option considering the price of lamb is sky-high at Australia’s big supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths.
Woolworths reduced the price of lamb in November due to an “oversupply in the market” from $10 per kilogram to $8 per kilogram, although the online store was selling it for $9 per kilogram on Thursday.
A roast lamb was selling for $9 a kilo on Woolworths’ online site on Thursday (stock)
“This is due to politicians’ virtue signaling and the duopoly of big supermarkets, but in stores lamb is still $35 a kilo and families can’t put food on their tables,” one person said.
“We need a supermarket regulator to fix the disconnect between farmers and consumers,” said another.
Some even questioned whether there was a way to eliminate supermarkets and sell directly to the public.
‘When the cost of living is so high, isn’t there a way to have a farmers’ cooperative that can sell these offcuts directly to the public at a low price?’ asked one.
‘People want to buy meat from farmers. Check out Farm to Fork and Our Cow. “I hate the idea of wasting so many animals,” said another.
Smith said he had been “trying for many months” to sell his sheep through traditional channels.
Caluka Farms on WA’s south coast (pictured) is for sale and expressions of interest will close on Friday
Selling agent Kate Jefferies has advocated for anyone who can offer a short-term lease or rental for the sheep.
‘We had 6,000 to 4,600, but more than 1,400 are dropping lambs.
We won’t be able to sell them for a few months. They have been brick walls trying to sell them.
“Our agent is working very hard, but there are many who are in the same boat and cannot buy or accept them.”
Caluka Farms is currently for sale in Ray White Rural WA and expressions of interest will close on Friday.
Selling agent Kate Jefferies said on Thursday: “My phone has been ringing with calls from farmers who are in a desperate situation where they have found themselves with an excess of livestock, unable to move sheep due to the dire state of the market. sheep despite trying every avenue.
‘Now, with the prolonged dry season, they are running out of food, water and, in some cases, funds.
‘I hope to help facilitate some short term rentals, agistment, etc. to help.
“I’m not doing this for any financial gain and I don’t want any of it – I just want to help in some way as I feel quite helpless with the calls I get.
‘This week I’ve had farmers in tears preparing to dig a hole and kill sheep because they are quickly running out of options.
“Please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to try to facilitate communication between those who need a place for sheep to go and those who have free paddocks.”