EID Equipment: What You Need and How to Get Started
Like most areas of business, livestock management is becoming increasingly data-driven. To help with this data management, successful producers are turning to Electronic Identification (EID) systems to enhance efficiency, traceability, and farm productivity. However, navigating the various equipment options and knowing how to get started can be daunting, especially with upcoming mandatory EID regulations for sheep and goats in Australia.
In this short article, we’ll explore the essential EID equipment, new regulatory requirements, and practical steps to implement EID on your farm.
What is EID and Why Does the Equipment Matter?
EID, or Electronic Identification, involves using electronic tags to track individual animals and collect data on key performance indicators like health, fertility, and weight gain. Accurate data collection with EID is essential to making better decisions for your farm's long-term profitability. With the NSW Government’s timeline for mandatory EID adoption by 2025, it’s critical to understand the equipment needed to be compliant and efficient.
Essential EID Equipment
Depending on the scale and type of your operation, these are the core components of an EID system:
1. EID Tags
EID tags are electronic ear tags with a unique identifier that can be scanned to retrieve an animal’s data. Under the new regulations, all sheep and farmed goats born on or after 1 January 2025 must be tagged with accredited EID tags before leaving the property of birth. By 2027, all sheep and goats must be tagged regardless of age before leaving any property.
Tag Discount Program: NSW offers a discount on NLIS-accredited EID devices between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2025. This helps reduce producers' initial cost of compliance.
2. Tag Readers
Tag readers scan the EID tags and record the data. The type of reader you choose depends on the scale of your operation:
Stick readers: Portable and ideal for smaller farms or those needing flexibility across multiple locations.
Panel readers: Fixed and more suited for larger farms or high-volume operations.
For producers moving animals between properties with different Property Identification Codes (PICs), access to tag readers will be crucial for compliance with new regulations.
3. Data Recorders & Indicators
Data recorders capture the scanned information and store it for analysis. Bluetooth-enabled devices transfer data seamlessly to software platforms for further processing. Producers can use this information for health, breeding, and management decisions, enhancing the traceability and profitability of livestock.
4. Weigh Crates and Auto-Drafters
For larger operations, weigh crates and auto-drafters automate weight collection and sorting based on pre-set criteria like weight or health status. While a significant investment, these tools can streamline operations, especially in high-volume environments.
5. Software for Data Management
Data management software is critical to making the most of EID. It stores all the collected information and provides analytics for decision-making. NSW producers moving animals between properties will need to use software that records these movements in the NLIS database.
Regulatory Changes: Compliance Deadlines
1 January 2025: All sheep and farmed goats born from this date must have EID tags before leaving the property of birth.
1 January 2027: All sheep and farmed goats, regardless of age, must have EID tags before leaving any property.
Producers are responsible for uploading data to the NLIS database for property-to-property movements. The upcoming infrastructure rebates and the tag discount program aim to support farmers as they transition.
Getting Started: Tips for a Smooth Transition
Plan for Compliance: Familiarize yourself with NSW’s regulations and ensure your farm is ready for EID requirements by the 2025 and 2027 deadlines.
Take Advantage of Rebates: NSW offers a range of support, including tag discounts and infrastructure rebates, to reduce the financial burden of transitioning to EID.
Invest in the Right Tools: Start small with essential tools like tags and stick readers and scale up with auto-drafters and advanced software as your farm grows.
Attend Workshops: We recommend you attend one of our workshops from eID Livestock to understand how to implement a data-driven approach to your farming business. We have presented workshops across NSW, and plans are in the pipeline for the New England Area, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Be EID Ready
As EID becomes mandatory for sheep and goat producers in NSW, understanding and investing in the right equipment is essential. Producers can ensure compliance by preparing early and utilising available support programs while improving farm productivity through better data-driven decision-making. Contact us to find out how we can help you make the transition seamless.
