In Australia, abattoirs are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) systems to accurately count sheep, which is a significant advancement for farmers who have long struggled with discrepancies in animal counts. This technological shift comes after decades of farmers experiencing an erosion of trust due to frequent counting errors which have often led to disputes with transporters and abattoir operators. The introduction of AI aims to streamline the process, enabling farmers and processors to have better assurance that their livestock numbers are correctly reported and compensated.

The sheep industry holds a vital cultural and economic position in Australia, having been described as having built the country 'on the backs of sheep.' Historically, farm workers known as 'jackaroos' have been employed to count sheep, sometimes needing to conduct counts multiple times during transportation to ensure accuracy. The advent of AI technology is expected to reduce human error, thereby minimizing the potential for conflict and opening up more trust between farmers and the supply chain.

With the price of lamb reported to be one-third higher this year compared to last, driven by a booming export market for Australian meat and high demand for wool, accurate counting becomes even more critical. This move towards AI could enhance operational efficiencies within the industry and potentially increase profits for farmers, helping them sleep a little easier knowing their livestock are being accounted for properly during these times of economic growth.