Case Study:
AgriFutures – Australian Thoroughbred Breeding Industry

Size & Scope Study

AgriFutures Australia is one of 15 Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) that service the Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) needs of Australian rural industries. This includes the Thoroughbred Horses Program which invests in high-impact research, development and extension that improves the sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred industry.

Since 2017, AgriFutures in conjunction with Thoroughbred Breeders Australia have commissioned IER to undertake assessments into the size and scope of the thoroughbred breeding industry in Australia. The aim was to quantify the economic, employment and social contribution that the thoroughbred breeding industry generates in each state and territory of Australia.

In assessing the economic and social contribution of the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry, the study reported on a number of the traditional measures adopted by the breeding industry (such as foal crops, breeders and exports) as well as calculating a number of economic measures aimed at illustrating the industry’s contribution to the economy. The study also comprised of a detailed view of the various participants in the breeding industry, including both hands-on and hands-off breeders, and their motivations for engaging in the industry.

The most recent study conducted, found the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry was responsible for generating close to $1.68 billion in value-added contribution to the national economy in the 2022-23 financial year, a 45% increase compared to the prior study in 2016-17. The economic output generated by the industry was also directly responsible for sustaining 9,268 full time equivalent jobs across the country, with around 46% sustained as a direct result of the breeding industry’s activity. This represents a 17% increase compared to the prior study.