For many WA sheep producers, the Federal Government’s Farm Business Transition Grant represents both an opportunity and a challenge, a chance to secure financial assistance during the live export phase out but with paperwork and processes that can feel overwhelming.
That’s why CRISP Wireless hosted a Webinar Connecting Sheep Farmers with Live Export Phase Out Grant Information. Heidi Cowcher, the Grants Manager for CRISP Wireless and a Wheatbelt farmer herself, walked attendees through the application process, from eligibility to submission.
“The key thing to understand,” said Heidi, “is that this is about assisting businesses to transition, diversify or build resilience. It’s not compensation, it’s about planning for the future and showing how your business can adapt.”
To apply, you must be a primary producer in Western Australia who has been directly or indirectly impacted by the live export phase out and has actively participated in the live sheep export trade at least once in the last three years [between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2025].
"You need to be a primary producer who’s impacted by the phase out,” she said. “That can include direct exporters, producers supplying into those markets, or those indirectly affected through supply chains.” Said Heidi.
Applicants must also demonstrate that their business is financially viable and that the proposed project aligns with the program’s intent, to help farm businesses transition, modernise or build sustainability.
Eligible activities include:
Funding can be used for a wide range of activities, from business planning to on-farm infrastructure or training.
“You might want to look at a diversification project,” Heidi explained. “That could mean new processing opportunities, value adding, or exploring different markets. The important thing is to show the long term benefit to your enterprise.”
All applications are submitted through GrantConnect under the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Heidi guided attendees through the GrantConnect portal, explaining that all applications must be submitted online.
“It’s straightforward once you’ve registered,” she said. “Download the guidelines and the sample form before you start, it’ll save you a lot of time.”
She encouraged producers to read every question carefully before beginning the online form.
“There’s a lot of detail required, from your ABN to project milestones but don’t let that put you off. Take it one step at a time.”
Applicants will need to provide supporting documents, including recent financials, property details, and a clear project plan.
“You need to show that the project is ready to go,” Heidi said. “Assessors will want to see evidence, like quotes, budgets or approvals, to prove that you can deliver what you’re proposing.”
Anna Dixon, Director of BlueSalt Consulting, added that grant readiness is one of the most common hurdles.
“Many people have great ideas but haven’t yet written them down in a way that demonstrates feasibility,” she noted. “This is about showing that you’ve thought through timing, risk and outcomes.”
With deadlines looming, both experts encouraged producers to avoid last-minute submissions.
“Don’t leave it to the night before,” Heidi urged. “Reach out to your local Rural Financial Counsellor, or a grant writer if you need help. They can check your draft and make sure you’re hitting the key criteria.”
Grant writing expert Karen McFarland from Whitney Consulting emphasized that Criterion 1 is your moment to connect with assessors:
“It’s your first opportunity to actually talk about who you are and set the scene … it gives you the opportunity to really capture the assessor's attention.”
Her advice? Keep it simple and real.
“Do not feel as if you have to use fancy language or big words … you just need to clearly tell the story of how this change is going to impact you.”
Karen reminded producers that evidence is only half the picture - people matter, too:
“This isn’t just about the money, this is also about the impact on people, on your regional area … they’re all important stories to tell because they’re all about the bigger impact.”
She encouraged farmers to combine data with narrative, showing both facts and lived experience:
“Tell them about your reliance on live export … this first bit is about background, it’s telling them the story but telling them the story with the data you have.”
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