Recently-passed bans on live sheep exports will have a series of negative unintended consequences for primary producers, industry advocates argue.

NSW Farmers has slammed what they called “a shortsighted ban” on sending sheep to other countries by sea, saying it would have far-reaching impacts on rural Australia.

The bill – prohibiting the export of live sheep by sea from Australia from May 2028 – has now passed the Senate, despite fierce opposition from farmers and industry groups.

The new law means that the federal Government was effectively cutting off the livelihoods of many rural communities and agricultural industries who rely on the trade as a key market tool, according to NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin.

“Many farmers are wondering who is going to be next – it’s live sheep exports today, but we know this will have impacts right across the Australian farming landscape now and into the future,” Mr Martin said.

“Traditionally, live sheep exports by sea have given farmers another market option to ensure they can get a fair price for their product, so they can keep producing the world-class sheep Australia is so famous for."

With only $107 million in funding provided to assist industry through the phase-out, Mr Martin said the Commonwealth had once again failed to support the farmers feeding and clothing the nation.

“Without this market option, there is no doubt our entire sheep industry will suffer – and domestic demand for fodder and grain may also drop off without this core trade to support it.

"These are already tough times for farmers with the Federal Government’s anti-farming policies, and we actually need them to be opening up markets and opportunities for our commodities – not banning them,” Mr Martin concluded.