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. The direct economic impact of an incursion of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) to the NSW livestock sector is estimated to be $20 billion.
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 Rebate Scheme
Under the Tasmanian Sheep and Goats eID Producer Support Scheme (Grant Round 3), the rebate provides up to 75% of the cost of eligible electronic identification (eID) items including EID Readers, Panel Antennas and EID Compatible Scale Readers to a maximum amount of $5000.
Key Dates:
- Applications open: 1st July
- Applications close: 30th June 2025 or until funds are expended.
The Process
- Apply at www.nre.tas.gov.au/eID to complete an online application. Apply online information coming soon.
- Pre-Approval: When your application is approved you can then purchase equipment with the confidence that you will get the rebate.
- Purchase: Select and purchase equipment.
- Claim: Submit your claim after you have purchased and paid for your equipment.
- Rebate: The rebate money will be paid to your account.
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 selection.
- 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.
