WORKING DOGS WORTH $3 BILLION TO THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY

Australia’s $3 Billion Farm Dog Workforce

A new study by ANZ has revealed that Australia’s working farm dogs contribute a staggering $3 billion to the economy—on par with the nation’s beef exports to the U.S. in 2023–24.

With around 270,000 livestock dogs helping farmers manage flocks and herds, their value stretches well beyond their wagging tails. According to ANZ’s Executive Director of Agribusiness, Michael Whitehead, farm dogs save the industry approximately $800 million in labour costs and inject an estimated $600 million into regional economies through increased farm efficiency.

“It’s hard to imagine having enough people to do the work these dogs do,” Whitehead said. “From reducing vehicle costs to enabling larger herd sizes, the benefits are wide-ranging.”

As the agricultural sector struggles to find and keep skilled staff, the demand for working dogs has soared, said Karen Stephens, president of the Casterton Kelpie Association. “They’re reliable, always ready to work from sun-up to sundown, and never call in sick,” she noted.

The growing appreciation of their value has pushed working dog prices to record highs. While most Kelpies fetch between $6,000 and $8,000, standout performers have sold for much more—like the $49,000 Kelpie from New South Wales that broke records in 2022.

“It might sound like a lot for a dog,” Whitehead added, “but when you consider what they can do—work that would otherwise take multiple people and machines—they’re absolutely vital to modern farming.”

Training Makes the Difference

Tom Austin, spokesperson for Elfinvale Stud Kelpies, says today’s high prices for working dogs reflect not just their skill—but the years of training behind them and their growing value to the red meat and sheep industries.

“Genetic potential is key,” Austin explained. “Just like in any breeding program, you want dogs with the natural instinct to hold back, use their eye, and really work stock.”

With livestock prices at record highs, farmers are recognising the true worth of a well-trained working dog.

“In the past, you might’ve just grabbed a dog from a neighbour or a mate,” Austin said. “Now, people are willing to invest. We’re talking $15,000 and up for dogs that are trained and ready to hit the paddocks.”