Sheep producers in Western Australia say the federal government's decision to phase out live export is a key driver behind a massive slump in confidence across the industry.Farmers say a decision to phase out live sheep exports has reduced confidence in the WA industryMore WA farmers are looking to reduce stock numbers, or exit, resulting in oversupplyCompared to this time last year, sheep prices are down more 60 per cent and buyer interest was lacking at a recent sale in Wickepin.
"A lot of growers are selling extra breeding stock to reduce their sheep numbers, or they're just selling all of their ewes, looking to exit the market or exit the industry altogether."Shearing supplier Noel Lawrence said he had seen sales fall by about 15 per cent over the past four months, compared to the same period last year."This month, even though it's only young, sales are down already," Mr Lawrence said.
"I absolutely acknowledge that sheep prices have fallen significantly, but it's not just on the west coast. It's the east coast as well," he said. "I think it speaks volumes about how much impact this Labor Party policy is having on the confidence in WA growers.""There's no doubt now growers have decided that they're going to move away from the sheep industry," Mr Bolt said.