Our Industries_Agric & Prod Hort

Our Industries - Agriculture and Production Horticulture

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Broadacre Cropping

Western Australia's broadacre cropping sector is a major driver of the state's agricultural economy, producing wheat, barley, canola, and pulses across vast areas in the Wheatbelt, Great Southern, Mid-West, and Goldfields-Esperance regions. In 2022–23, WA led Australia in the production of wheat (14.7 million tonnes), barley (5.7 million tonnes), and canola (4.1 million tonnes), contributing over 35% of national output for each crop. The sector's gross value exceeds $6 billion annually, with the Wheatbelt alone accounting for more than $3.3 billion.

The industry benefits from advanced farming technologies, export-oriented infrastructure, and variable climatic conditions that can lead to bumper harvests or drought-affected yields. Key export markets include China, Indonesia, and Japan. While the sector remains resilient and globally competitive, it faces challenges such as climate variability, input cost pressures, and sustainability demands. Despite these, WA’s broadacre cropping continues to be a cornerstone of regional employment, innovation, and international trade.

Production Horticulture

Western Australia’s production horticulture sector is a diverse and valuable component of the state’s agriculture, encompassing fruit, vegetables, nuts, and nursery products. In 2022–23, the sector generated an estimated wholesale value of $1.75 billion and a retail/export value exceeding $3 billion. Major products include avocados, table grapes, apples, carrots, potatoes, and citrus, with avocados leading in value at over $200 million.

Horticultural production spans approximately 45,000 hectares, with 64% allocated to fruit and 33% to vegetables and other annual crops. Key growing regions include the South West, Gascoyne, Perth Hills, and Carnarvon, each offering distinct climates and supply windows. The sector supports thousands of jobs in farming, packing, transport, and export logistics.

WA's horticulture industry is export-focused, supplying markets in Asia and the Middle East, while also serving strong domestic demand. It continues to grow through investment in water efficiency, crop innovation, biosecurity, and market access. Challenges include labour shortages, climate variability, and rising input costs. Nonetheless, the sector remains dynamic, adaptable, and critical to WA’s food security and economic diversity.

Livestock Farming

Western Australia’s livestock farming sector is a vital component of the state’s agriculture, primarily focused on sheep, cattle, and wool production. As of 2022, WA’s sheep flock was around 12.4 million head, the lowest since 1952, yet the state led Australia in live sheep exports, with over 521,000 head shipped overseas. Sheep meat exports reached a record $627.7 million, driven largely by demand from China and the Middle East.

Cattle farming is also significant, contributing to both domestic supply and export markets, with WA’s cattle mainly raised in the southern and northern rangelands. Though national cattle disposals dropped slightly in 2022–23, the sector remains economically valuable.

Wool production plays a key role, contributing $655 million in 2021–22. However, the sector has faced recent challenges, including declining mutton prices and reduced flock numbers.

The WA livestock industry is characterized by large-scale operations, export orientation, and regional dependence—particularly in the Wheatbelt and pastoral zones. Continued investment in biosecurity, animal welfare, and market access remains central to maintaining the industry’s global competitiveness.

The Australian Government's decision to phase out live sheep exports by sea by May 2028 is poised to have significant implications for Western Australia's (WA) agricultural sector, particularly given that WA accounts for 99% of the nation's live sheep exports. The effectiveness of transition measures and the adaptability of the agricultural sector will be critical in mitigating adverse impacts and ensuring the sustainability of the state's livestock industry

Key roles shaping Western Australia’s Agriculture (Broadacre Cropping) & Production Horticulture

These roles reflect how technology, expertise, and hands-on skills intersect across agriculture and horticulture—highlighting the sector’s evolution toward innovation, sustainability, and high-quality production.

Workforce Demographics and Key Factors influencing the workforce

In 2021, almost 30% of people working in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing were aged 60 years and over, compared to 11% across all industries. (ABS)
Low youth participation: Fewer young people are entering agriculture due to perceptions of low prestige, long hours, physical demands, and limited career progression.
Seasonal employment patterns, especially in horticulture and cropping
Agricultural employment is predominantly located in regional and rural areas, with Western Australia being a significant contributor due to its extensive grain and livestock industries.
Persistent labour shortages: Particularly in horticulture, grains, and livestock sectors, many farms struggle to find enough workers during planting and harvest.
Heavy reliance on migrant and seasonal workers: Backpackers, Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers, and temporary visa holders fill essential roles.

Training Package

AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package

Declared Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Agriculture (Level 2)-AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture
Horticulture (Production) (Level 2)-AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture
Rural Operations (Level 2)-AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations
Shearing (Level 2)-AHC21316 Certificate II in Shearing
Wool Handling(Level 2)-AHC21416 Certificate II in Wool Handling
Agriculture (Level 3)-AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture
Agriculture (Dairy Production) (Level 3)-AHC30224 Certificate III in Dairy Production
Horticulture (Production) (Level 3)-AHC30624 Certificate III in Production Horticulture
Beekeeping-AHC31824 Certificate III in Beekeeping
Rural Operations (Level 3)-AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations
Shearing (Level 3)-AHC32916 Certificate III in Shearing
Wool Handler -AHC33116 Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling
Agriculture (Level 4)-AHC40122 Certificate IV in Agriculture
Horticulture (Production) (Level 4)-AHC40324 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
Wool Classing (Level 4)-AHC41316 Certificate IV in Wool Classing