Tagging rules set to change

SHEEP and goats born from January 1, 2025 will soon need to be tagged with a NLIS approved electronic identification device (eID) before they leave their properties. 

Animals born before January 1, 2025 will need an eID before leaving their properties starting January 1, 2027. 

This gives existing animals more time to transition to eID tagging. Animals that never leave their property do not need to be tagged. 

The move to electronic traceability, decided by all agriculture ministers, aims to improve tracking in the event of emergency diseases like foot and mouth disease and to maintain international market access for sheep and goat products. 

To legislate the change from mob-based traceability to individual electronic traceability in Tasmania, draft livestock traceability regulations have been developed and made available for public consultation for the last eight weeks. 

The submission period closes at 5pm this Sunday (August 25). 

The draft regulations are based on the NLIS Standards for Sheep and Goats 2024 and aim to create a consistent national traceability system for sheep and goats. 

Electronic traceability has been in place for cattle since 2006 and Victoria has required electronic traceability of sheep and goats for almost seven years. 

In March this year, a grant scheme was opened by the Tasmanian Government to aid with eID scanning infrastructure along the Tasmanian supply chain for livestock transporters and transport depots, livestock agencies and agents, saleyards and processors. 

The supply chain will be ready to scan eID tags from January 1, 2025. 

For commercial producers and owners of pet or backyard sheep and goats, as well as other groups, financial assistance is available. 

eID tags have been discounted at point-of-sale, either online or through rural supply stores, and a range of scanning equipment is available at rebates rates. The NRE Tas sheep and goat eID team recommends buying eID tags now. 

Producers selling sheep to Victoria should ensure their animals are eID tagged to meet the requirements of some Victorian processors starting January 1, 2025, which can prevent lower prices. 

For those selling sheep interstate, the team recommends checking with an agent about what tag type will be required. 

Some Victorian processors have recently stated they will require all consigned animals to have eIDs fitted to be received at their facilities as of January 1, 2025 - meaning those animals born this year but destined for Victoria next year should be eID tagged to avoid the risk of receiving a below average price for your sheep. 

For updates, visit the NRE Tas website