Graziers have less than a month to prepare for the mandatory implementation of electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats.

From January 1 all sheep and goats born after that date will need to have eID’s tags prior to leaving the property of their birth. All movement of that livestock needs to be recorded on the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS).

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) said the move is part of the state’s efforts to enhance livestock traceability, biosecurity and disease management.

But the State’s peak agricultural body has ongoing concerns and insists there needs to be more work to successfully implement the traceability reforms.

NSW Farmers had agreed to the policy providing in-principle support for the national traceability scheme after it was mandated by the previous government, President Xavier Martin said, but there was a need to set a maximum cost amid growing angst from producers.

“Farmers are rightly becoming increasingly concerned about the costs associated with implementing eID for sheep and goats,” Mr Martin said.

“Our Executive Council has looked at what other state governments are providing their producers and calculated a maximum price of $1 per tag is reasonable for the NSW Government to support given biosecurity benefits everyone, not just producers.”

NSW Farmers policy on NLIS for sheep and goats demands that the new system must have:

- Have jurisdictional harmonisation

- Reduce tag costs to an economically affordable level (ie. national tag tender)

- Financially assist farmers and the supply chain to invest in technology

- Be underpinned by an equitable funding arrangement across the supply chain

- Ensure NLIS database has proven capability

- Retain the option of tag free pathways

- A staged roll out over a five-year period

- Be developed in consultation with producers; and

- NLIS is the only system that is available for stock movements

“NSW Farmers has been strongly representing our members’ needs in engagements with state and national bodies on this matter, advocating for a positive outcome for farmers,” Mr Martin said.

“We still have a long road ahead on these traceability reforms – we still have caveats of our policy that need to be met to maintain our in-principal support of this system. 

“All producers need to be supported, all the way through the transition. Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and this system applies to all goat and sheep producers – so no one should be missing out on support.” 

Staggered implementation

NSW DPIRD Director of Sheep and Goat Traceability, Kiowa Fenner, highlighted the importance of the new requirements in strengthening the integrity of the state's livestock traceability system.  

“The introduction of mandatory eID for sheep and goats represents a significant step forward in biosecurity and livestock management for the NSW sheep and goat industry,” Ms. Fenner said.   

“If you move or sell lambs or kids born next year, they will need an eID device before departure.”  

The NSW Government has put in place a staggered implementation of eID to assist understanding and awareness. To this end, all sheep and goat movements will not be required until 1 January 2027.  

These changes will improve the traceability of animals across the supply chain, helping us respond more effectively to disease outbreaks and ensuring the continued competitiveness of our agricultural industries.  

The implementation is on track, with processors already having commenced scanning eIDs and uploading eID data to the NLIS database from 30 June 2024.  

Ms Fenner said we have been actively working with saleyards and stock agents across the state, to ensure they are ready for the changes on 1 January 2025. 

“The infrastructure installations at saleyards are almost complete across the state and they are already testing these upgrades as animals with eID tags are sold to ensure they are ready for sale come 1 Jan 2025,” Ms Fenner said.   

“NSW DPIRD has also been working to provide producers with the resources and practical skills to make the switch to eID, with workshops and presentations across the state continuing in 2025.  

“Producers are encouraged to begin preparing for the shift to eID and for many this will be as simple as simply purchasing eID devices rather than visual tags for their lambs and kids next year.   

“When you purchase white 2025 NLIS-accredited devices from your preferred retailer, you will receive a $0.76 discount under the NSW Tag Discount Program until 31 October 2025 or until funds are exhausted.”

For more information on sheep and goat eID requirements or to access resources on the implementation process, producers are encouraged to visit the NSW DPIRD website - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/bfs/your-role-in-biosecurity/primary-producers/nlis/eID