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A West Australian farmer is faced with the difficult decision of what to do with 3,000 sheep that he is unable to sell or provide enough food for.

A West Australian farmer is faced with the difficult decision of what to do with 3,000 sheep that he is unable to sell or provide enough food for.

Australian Farmer Forced to Dig Grave After Failing to Sell 3,000 Sheep

Wayne Smith, a farmer from Caluka Farms in Narrikup, a small town located four hours south-east of Perth, expressed deep sadness as he discussed the difficult decision he is now confronted with.

He described the day as emotional, as he worked with a neighbor to dig up a large pit to accommodate over 3,000 sheep.

"I find it a difficult decision of shooting them," he said.

Smith, like many others, has faced an overwhelming combination of factors that have severely impacted the state's agricultural sector in the past year. It has been a challenging time for him.

Yesterday, a video was shared on social media that revealed a deeply emotional moment. The person in the video expressed their vulnerability and admitted to experiencing daily tears as they face an impending "last resort."

It is such very hard times for sheep farmers in Western Australia. It's been a very teary day for me. Started organising a neighbour to dig a pit big enough to put 3,000+ sheep in. This video shows our beautiful lambs. I can't cope with the thought of shooting them. No buyers. pic.twitter.com/NBOEv7nx3Y

— @calukafarms (@calukafarms) April 17, 2024

In the midst of skyrocketing meat prices and supply chain challenges, Smith is just one of many producers facing the dilemma of excess animals.

Sheep farmers are facing a challenging situation as they struggle to find abattoirs willing to purchase their animals, or purchase a sufficient quantity of them. Moreover, recent government reforms have put an end to a crucial support system that has long been relied upon by producers.

Abroad, nations in dire need of top-notch red meat are importing animals in unprecedented quantities, and they're willing to pay a hefty price for it.

However, farmers like Smith are unable to reap the rewards. Tony Mahar, the chief executive of the National Farmers Federation, expressed deep concern over the decision made by Smith, describing it as a significant tragedy.

According to Mahar, the decision to dispose of livestock is always a last resort and a heartbreaking one for farmers who have cared for them. There are numerous instances that demonstrate the necessity for the Federal Government to reconsider its choice to gradually eliminate live sheep exports.

Australia's Sheep Export

Farmers in the western regions are also grappling with severe drought conditions. The live export trade offers a solution for sheep farmers who lack nearby fertile lands to relocate their livestock during dry spells and limited feed availability, as per News.com.

The Albanese government has made a commitment to gradually eliminate the practice of exporting live sheep from Australia by sea.

This decision has been met with strong opposition from Steven Bolt, a farmer from Claypans Merino Stud in Western Australia, who believes that it is leading to the downfall of the industry.

Growers have become increasingly uncertain and are attempting to offload their sheep, resulting in an excess supply in the market and a lack of available space at the abattoir. Feed costs have skyrocketed and it's becoming increasingly difficult to find any available.

The government received a report at the end of 2023, leaving farmers uncertain about the minister's plans regarding the trade shutdown, Daily Mail reported.