The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) is reminding livestock producers and industry stakeholders that mandatory electronic identification (eID) is set to take effect from 1 January 2025.
As part of the state's ongoing efforts to enhance livestock traceability, biosecurity, and disease management, the following key requirements will be starting 1 January 2025:
- Mandatory use of eID devices such as tags for all sheep and goats born from 1 January 2025, prior to leaving the property of birth
- For property-to-property movements, any sheep or goats with an eID device must be scanned, and the entire movement uploaded to the NLIS database
- Saleyards and goat depots need to scan eIDs and record individual livestock sheep and goat movements on the NLIS database.
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.
"Further to that, there are some great resources available on our website, including online training, details of upcoming events, and real stories from people who use eID in their operations."
"NSW DPIRD will continue to engage with industry stakeholders and provide ongoing support, resources, and updates leading up to the mandatory start date."
