Improving sheepmeat and wool market conditions are helping restore confidence across Australia's sheep industry, including NSW’s Southern Tablelands, with the latest Sheep Producers Intentions Survey (SPIS), conducted by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)i and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), showing producers are increasingly focused on retaining stock and rebuilding flock numbers. 

Following improved seasonal conditions driven by widespread rainfall across southern Australia, the MLA report contends that sheep producers are increasingly looking to retain and rebuild flocks, supported by historically strong sheep meat prices, strengthening wool markets and a tighter national sheep supply. 

MLA Senior Market Information Analyst Emiliano Diaz said the May 2026 survey captured a notable change in industry confidence. “What is particularly significant is that we are seeing confidence improve while many producers are still operating under difficult seasonal conditions,” he said. 

“Twelve months ago, many sheep producers were focused on managing risk, reducing flock numbers and preserving cash flow. 

“This year, the outlook is fundamentally different. Producers are increasingly looking at opportunities to retain stock, rebuild breeding capacity and position themselves for future production.” 

Travis Wentiwiro, Network Performance Manager at Raine & Horne Group, says improving wool and sheepmeat market conditions will help producers think long-term. 

“When farm incomes improve, and producers start to rebuild flocks rather than reduce them, this confidence flows through to the rural property market. 

“Quality grazing country is always in demand, but improved commodity prices give buyers greater confidence to invest, whether it’s a massive sheep station or a smaller opportunity.” 

A case in point is a productive grazing block of 45 acres with building entitlement at Bannisterii just 35 kilometres from Goulburn, listed for sale by Nicolas Heath from Raine & Horne Rural Goulburn. 

Featuring gently undulating country with an easterly aspect, the property offers a combination of fertile grey loam and rich basalt soils, underpinned by an extensive fertiliser program implemented over the years. 

Well-established pastures comprising ryegrass, white clover, sub clover, phalaris and cocksfoot provide excellent grazing capacity, with the property currently operating at impressive stocking rates of 12-15 DSE per hectare. 

The land is divided into four paddocks and is well watered by four dams, while established boundary tree lines provide valuable shade and shelter for livestock. With power available and a dwelling entitlement in place, several picturesque homesite options offer privacy and attractive rural views. 

Nick says, “Ideally suited to cattle, sheep or horse enterprises, this versatile property is probably more suited to someone looking for a lifestyle opportunity in the Southern Tablelands or a rural escape where they can run some sheep.” 

For those looking for larger holdings, Nick has listed the 210-hectare ‘Gun Hill’ at 318 Holloways Road, Tarloiii with a price guide of $2.8 million, which was set to go under the hammer in late July. Nick said, “Combining fertile soils and reliable water, 'Gun Hill’ presents an outstanding opportunity for established producers, expanding enterprises or investors seeking a blue-chip rural asset.  

“The property’s gently undulating topography provides excellent accessibility across the holding, while its productive pastures and practical layout make it equally suited to cattle, sheep or mixed farming operations.” 

Also set to go to auction, Nick has listed 161 hectares of prime grazing country in the renowned Roslyn-Laggan District, recognised as home to some of the Southern Tablelands’ finest farming country. Ideally suited to cattle, sheep or mixed farming enterprises, this impressive holding at 1006 Carrabungla Road, Lagganiv, which has a price guide of $2.5 million, offers the perfect balance of productive country, reliable water and future potential.  

Nick adds, “Whether expanding an existing operation or establishing a premier rural lifestyle property, opportunities of this calibre in the renowned Roslyn-Laggan district are increasingly rare.”  

For all your rural real estate needs in 2026, contact your local Raine & Horne Rural office today.