The live sheep by sea trade ban could see the value of NSW sheep and lamb sales take a $125 million hit in just two years, NSW Farmers has warned as it fronted a state government inquiry yesterday.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin says analysis conducted by the state’s peak farm body showed the impact of the trade ban would reach far beyond the west coast, with the sheep market in the eastern states soon to feel the ongoing effects.

Mr Martin says once the trade ban takes effect, NSW sheep and lamb prices could take a 14 % hit over just two years, and in times following drought, the industry will suffer without the ability to draw on the west coast to restock their sheep flocks.

He questioned the federal government’s comments saying this shutdown won’t affect NSW, and asked why are they spending tens of thousands of dollars on NSW radio ads telling producers to prepare themselves for the end of the trade?”