EID Tags becoming mandatory in 2025
In September 2022, the Australian Government mandated that all newborn lambs and kids must be tagged with electronic identification tags (EIDs) from January 1st, 2025. This system will mean a change from a mob-based traceability system to one where individual sheep and goats will be traced using electronic identification tags (eID), similar to what occurs for cattle.
Why?
The frequency of biosecurity incursions and the associated economic, community and environmental risks and impacts are increasing. A more accurate and timely traceability system is required to reduce the impact on our livestock industries from an emergency animal disease or food safety event and protect market access and our “clean green” reputation.
The Queensland Rebate Scheme
With the QLD Sheep and Goat eID Producer Rebate Scheme, you can get up to 50% of the cost of eligible electronic identification (eID) items including EID Readers, Panel Antennas and EID Compatible Scale Readers to a maximum amount of $1600.
Key Dates:
Applications open: 29th July 2024
Applications close: 30th June 2025 or until funds are expended.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for the rebate, primary producers must meet the following conditions:
- Have a property identification code (PIC) based in Queensland.
- Have 30 or more sheep or managed goats.
- Have a current and up-to-date biosecurity entity registration.
- Must not have claimed assistance through any other Queensland Government eID funding.
- Have purchased an approved device or an electronic reader (or a combination of both) on or after 1 January 2023.
To be eligible for a rebate as a livestock agent, the applicant must:
- Have an Australian Business Number;
- Have an NLIS account with recorded movement of sheep or managed goats off a PIC in the previous 12 months; and
- Have purchased an electronic reader on or after 1 January 2023.
4 Benefits of Sheep EID Tags
- Individual animal management:
We all know that animal production varies a lot within a flock. Being able to view and manage the performance of your flock at an individual level opens many opportunities to increase your farm's efficiency and profitability.
- Better decisions:
Recoding animals at an individual level allows you to make better breeding and slaughter stock selections.
- Save time and labour:
Recording data manually takes a lot of time. With an EID system, you quickly scan a tag, find a sheep in the database and record information.
- More Accurate Information
EID tags eliminate mistakes and ensure all the information you collect is as accurate as possible.
