23 December 2022

As the digital age advances, so must our ability to adapt to new electronic capabilities within the property industry. The stock and station sector is no exception, with one such example of digital advancements being the implementation of mandatory electronic identification for sheep and farmed goats.

NSW Minister for Agriculture announced this week that funding will be provided to key stakeholders in the livestock industry (namely, saleyards and processors) to aid in preparing for the implementation of mandatory electronic identification.

Peter Baldwin, CEO of the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association, is pleased with the announcement, stating “As the National peak body representing livestock agents across NSW, we know that the implementation of mandatory sheep and goat electronic identification is a huge piece of work and will take support from the government to ensure it is rolled out in the best, most seamless way possible.”

“This announcement for saleyards to plan and prepare is a positive step forward and shows the industry we won’t be left alone on this electronic tagging journey.”

The NSW Government’s timeline for sheep and goat electronic identification outlines that:

• All meat processors will be required to start eID scanning farmed sheep and goats from 30 June 2024.

• All sheep and farmed goats born on or after 1 January 2025 will require an eID device.

• All saleyards, depots and property-to-property transfers of stock will require eID scanning from 1 January 2025.

• All farmed sheep and goats leaving a property will require an eID device from 1 January 2027.

The development and implementation of sheep and goat electronic identification form part of the NSW Government’s $229 million defence against Foot and Mouth Disease and other biosecurity threats. For more information, visit the ‘Biosecurity & food safety’ page on the Department of Primary Industries website.