Sheep farmers fear live exports probe

WA farmers fear the $300 million live sheep export trade has been put under threat by an independent inquiry into live exports.

Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig said yesterday the review, to be headed by former senior diplomat Bill Farmer, would look at all the international livestock export markets. More than 2.2 million sheep were exported through Fremantle in 2009-10 - about 73 per cent of all live sheep exports from Australia.

Boddington sheep farmer Simon Kelsall said a ban on sheep exports would rub salt into the wounds of drought-stricken farmers, but he was resigned to the live sheep trade being under threat.

"There's probably a group out there now trying to stop it," Mr Kelsall said.

Kojonup sheep farmer Digby Stretch said the ripple effect of the live cattle export ban had sent shivers through sheep farmers, but he was confident that there were acceptable welfare standards within the industry.

Mr Stretch, chairman of the Pastoralists and Graziers Association livestock committee, said industry was constantly working to improve the treatment of Australian livestock in other countries.

Independent South Australian senator Nick Xenophon is to introduce a Bill this week to phase out all live exports inside three years. It is likely to be backed by the Greens but not the major parties.