Some facts about the Australian sheep industry.

 

  • More than 84% of sheep in Australia are Merinos.
  • In 2001 the Australian sheep flock numbered approximately 114.8 million head.
  • In 2006, some 40,000 woolgrowers in Australia manage a total flock of 98 million sheep, producing an annual average 535 kilotons of wool.
  • Individual flocks range from a few hundred to as many as 100,000 or more sheep, with some three quarters of all sheep run in flocks of 3,000 or more.
  • Up to 95% of Australian wool is exported overseas.
  • China and Italy are the most important destinations for Australia's wool, together taking about 55% of total wool exports.