Heartbreaking reason why more than 3,000 sheep are about to be shot dead – as devastated Aussie farmer is forced to dig mass grave in a paddock

A Western Australian farmer is preparing to shoot 3,000 sheep because he can’t find a buyer for them – or else let them starve because he can’t feed them all.

Wayne Smith from Caluka Farms in Narrikup, four hours south-east of Perth, said he was heartbroken by the decision he had to make.

“These are such tough times for sheep farmers in Western Australia,” he posted on social media.

He said it was “a very sad day for me when I and a neighbor wanted to dig a hole big enough to hold more than 3,000 sheep.”

“I can’t bear the thought of shooting them,” he added.

‘If no one can buy them, there is no money left to buy food for them (if you can find it at all).

‘There is no feed in the meadows and sometimes no water, there is no choice.

‘We cannot let them suffer from hunger and thirst. It breaks our hearts to have to do this. Gut-wrenching.’

What caused the situation?

The Albanian government has pledged to phase out the export of live sheep from Australia by sea, causing “complete destruction of the industry” according to another WA farmer, Steven Bolt of Claypans Merino Stud.

‘Growers lose confidence and try to sell their sheep, causing an oversupply on the market and no more space in the slaughterhouse. Feed costs are sky-high and often there is nothing available.’

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has appointed an independent panel to advise on ‘how and when’ to ban exports. Last year it held consultations with farmers ‘at very short notice’.

A report was sent back to the government at the end of 2023, but farmers do not know how and when the minister wants to halt trade.

The phase-out does not apply to other livestock export industries, such as live cattle exports, nor to live sheep exports by air.

“Phasing out the export of live sheep by sea is a complex issue that will impact farmers, businesses, our trading partners and the communities that participate in the trade,” Watt said.

“I am also aware that the wider Australian community is interested in phasing out, including those who want to see animal welfare preserved and improved.

“Along with other measures, such as appointing a new Inspector General for Animal Welfare, the Albanian government is delivering on our election promise to strengthen animal welfare in Australia.”

What about Australian supermarkets?

Social media asked Mr Smith if there was another option as the price of lamb is skyrocketing at major Australian supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths.

Woolworths cut the price of lamb in November due to a “market oversupply” from $10 per kilogram to $8 per kilogram, although the online store sold it for $9 per kilogram on Thursday.

“Virtue signaling from politicians and the duopoly of big supermarkets have caused this, but it’s still expensive in the shops for lamb and families can’t put food on the table,” said one.

“We need a supermarket regulator that can mend the divide between farmers and consumers,” said another.

Some even wondered if there was a way to ditch the grocery stores and sell directly to the public.

“If the cost of living is so high, isn’t there a way to have a farmers’ cooperative that can sell these cuts cheaply directly to the public?” one asked.

‘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.

Mr Smith said he had been trying to sell his sheep through traditional channels for ‘many months’.

“From 6,000 there were still 4,600, but more than 1,400 are lambing,” Mr Smith said.

‘I can’t sell them for another few months. It was brick walls they were trying to sell.

“Our agent works very hard, but so many are in the same boat and can’t buy them or take them with them.”

Caluka Farms is currently for sale on Ray White Rural WA and expressions of interest close on Friday.

Sales agent Kate Jefferies said on Thursday: ‘My phone is ringing with calls from farmers who find themselves in a desperate situation where they find themselves with too many livestock – unable to move sheep due to the dire state of the sheep market, despite exhausting every option have tried.

‘As the long dry season continues, they are running out of food, water and in some cases money.

“I’m hoping that maybe I can help facilitate some short-term leases, leases, etc. to help.

‘I’m not doing this for any financial gain and don’t want to do anything with it – I just want to help in some way as I feel quite helpless with the calls I’m getting.

“I have had farmers in tears this week preparing to dig a hole and shoot sheep as they are quickly running out of options.

‘Please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to try to bridge the gap between those who need a place for sheep and those who have free pastures.’