Led by Sheep Producers Australia and WoolProducers Australia, the SSF was launched in 2021, with the first Annual Report released a year later, containing 58 indicators under four themes: Caring for Our Sheep; Enhancing the Environment and Climate; Looking after Our People, Our Customers, and the Community; and Ensuring a Financially Resilient Industry.

A steady reduction in greenhouse gas emissions generated from Australian sheepmeat and wool production over recent years was among the highlights of the 2023 report. Other highlights include:
• A rise in the number of Australians who believe lambs are farmed and raised in a humane manner (up from 53% to 55%)
• An increase in non-mulesed/ceased-mulesed declared wool bales offered (15.8% Merino and 40.1% non-Merino)
• A rise in Australia's value share of global sheepmeat exports (45%) and global wool exports (75.5%).

Directional declines in research, development, and adoption investment in sheepmeat, and the gross value of agricultural production for both sheepmeat and wool, and an increase in the number of serious injury workers' compensation claims, were among the challenges identified in the report. 

Independent Chair of the SSF Board and sheep producer, Lucinda Corrigan, said each Annual Report was an expression of the commitment to continuous improvement across the industry.
"One of the most important functions of the Annual Report is to bring transparency to our industry and identify areas where we need to improve," Corrigan said.
"We have a duty to our people, our animals and our consumers to strive for excellence in sustainability and continue to affirm the Australian industry's position as among the best in the world."

The 2023 Annual Report is available to read online here.