The government has introduced legislation that would end the live export of sheep by sea from Australia. While animal welfare groups are celebrating, sheep farmers in WA are warning of a decline in rural towns.
Sheep farming is all Scott Ewen knows, having grown up and lived on his family farm all his life. As a third-generation sheep farmer, the 47-year-old father of two hopes his sons will one day be able to continue the family tradition. "I'd like to think there will be a viable business of some description for the boys to come home to, if they choose to go down this line," Ewen says.
  For some time, sheep producers on the west coast have said the government's decision to phase out the live export trade has lowered confidence in the industry. Darkan-based farm management consultant Mark Allington said the average sheep price for his clients in the last five years was $105. In the last 12 months, that average has dropped to $45.
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