The state government says its mandatory electronic identification (eID) for sheep and farmed goats will provide the best possible traceability.
With the date for the changes fast approaching, more than $10 million has been invested into a range of assistance measures to ensure a successful transition.
All sheep and farmed goats born on or after January 1, 2025 will need to be identified with a National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) accredited eID tag before leaving their property of birth.
Older sheep and farmed goats can be voluntarily eID tagged now, but tagging these animals prior to leaving the property will not be mandatory until January 1, 2027.
From next year, producers who bring eID tagged animals on to their property directly from another property (P2P movements) will need to record individual animal transfers on the NLIS database.
Producers will not need to record stock movements if buying or selling at a saleyard – the saleyard operator is responsible for this transfer.
Similarly, producers do not need to record stock movements that are consigned to a processor – the processor is responsible for this transfer.
The state government said it was working with the federal government and industry to transition to the national eID system, with a number of discount and rebate programs available to assist.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said for many producers the change would be minor.
“Electronic identification for sheep and farmed goats will ensure we have the best possible traceability system, which is crucial to protecting our $2.96 billion livestock industry in the event of an outbreak of an emergency animal disease such as foot and mouth disease,” she said.
“For many producers, the only change will be going from a visual tag to an electronic tag. For others there will be a few more things to consider, which is why the state government has a range of support available.
“The state government has committed significant funding to assist South Australia with the transition to the national system, including the $9.3 million package which was announced in the budget last year and the additional $900,000 for the eID Advantage Program.”
Support measurers include the Point-of-Sale Tag Discount Scheme, Expanded eID Device Rebate (2023-2025), Sheep and Goat eID Implementation Essential Equipment and Infrastructure Rebate (Saleyards and Processors), Sheep and Goat eID Implementation Essential Equipment Rebate (Producers), Sheep and Goat eID Implementation Essential Equipment Rebate (Agents) and the eID Advantage Program.
For further information on all eID implementation support programs visit pir.sa.gov.au/eid
