Funding Now Available to Upgrade Your Finishing & Feedlot Infrastructure Apply today
The Supply Chain Capacity Program from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has been established to help WA sheep producers prepare for the phase-out of live sheep exports by sea and strengthen onshore processing capacity.
With Round 2 now offering $20 million in funding, this presents a significant opportunity for sheep producers looking to expand or improve their on-farm finishing systems and position themselves for increased domestic processing demand.
Applications Open: 27 February 2026
Applications Close: 5pm (AWST) 24 April 2026
What’s Available for Producers?
Under the Capital Investments for Producers stream:
- Grants from $50,000 up to $2 million
- Dollar-for-dollar cash matching co-contribution required
- Funding for capital projects that increase on-farm finishing capacity, efficiency and productivity
Eligible investments include capital infrastructure that helps:
- Flatten seasonal turn-off spikes
- Improve feed conversion and animal performance
- Lift throughput to meet processor demand
- Strengthen overall supply chain reliability
For producers considering infrastructure upgrades, this funding can substantially reduce upfront capital costs while accelerating planned expansion.
Where Advantage Feeders Fit In
If you’re expanding finishing capacity or improving feed efficiency, well-designed feeding infrastructure plays a critical role in delivering measurable productivity gains.
Eligible capital upgrades may include investment in fixed or permanent feeding systems that support expanded on-farm finishing capacity.
1. Expanding Feedlot or Containment Areas
If you’re increasing on-farm finishing or containment feeding capacity, capital investment may support:
- Installation of high-efficiency hay feeding systems to reduce wastage
- Upgrades to controlled grain feeding systems for improved intake management
These investments contribute directly to improved efficiency, throughput and business resilience.
2. Improving Feed Efficiency & Reducing Waste
Capital upgrades that deliver measurable returns include:
- Reducing hay wastage
- Improving ration consistency
- Lowering per-head feed costs
- Increasing kilograms of liveweight gain per tonne fed
Reduced wastage and improved feed conversion align strongly with the program’s focus on improving productivity and economic benefit.
3. Increasing Turn-Off Capacity
With processors seeking more consistent year-round supply, producers may look to:
- Increase feeding infrastructure to finish more sheep simultaneously
- Remove bottlenecks within feeding systems
- Improve labour efficiency during high-pressure finishing periods
This supports the program’s objective of strengthening WA’s onshore sheep processing supply chain and improving industry integration.
How Advantage Feeders Can Help
Advantage Feeders can support your application by:
- Supplying detailed equipment specifications and compliant quotations
- Demonstrating productivity and wastage reduction outcomes
- Providing ROI modelling to strengthen the economic benefit case
- Structuring staged infrastructure upgrades aligned to your growth plans
The shift toward greater onshore processing represents a structural transition for WA sheep producers. This funding is designed to help you invest with confidence, improve efficiency and build long-term finishing capacity.
If you’re preparing an application and require supporting documentation or formal quotes, our team is ready to assist.
Contact Advantage Feeders for a fast-tracked quote any time before the deadline:
sally@advantagefeeders.com.au
For full terms and conditions or to apply:
https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/businesses/grants-and-support/supply-chain-capacity-program/
Application Open until 24 April 2026
Why Act Now?
- Grants are competitive
- Applicants must provide a minimum 50% cash co-contribution
- Businesses cannot exceed stream funding caps across both rounds
- Projects must demonstrate clear economic benefit, delivery capability and supply chain impact
Importantly:
- Projects cannot commence until a formal grant agreement is executed
- Projects must commence within six months of agreement execution
- All supported activities must be completed by 30 June 2028
- No retrospective funding applies
If you’re already considering:
- Expanding your finishing capacity
- Installing new feed infrastructure
- Upgrading containment or lot-feeding systems
- Reducing feed waste and lifting productivity
This program may significantly reduce your upfront investment while positioning your business for long-term structural change in the WA sheep industry.