The state government has announced additional funding to support the transition to electronic identification for sheep and farmed goats.
In an effort to reduce cost pressures for drought-impacted producers, an extra $4.5 million in funding – allocated in the $73m Drought Support Package – will support the transition by allowing for the point-of-sale tag discount scheme to be extended for two years.
The point-of-sale eID tag discount scheme, which was due to end on June 30, has been extended in recognition of the hardship many producers are facing due to the drought.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said the funding boost would help to ease cost pressures.
“The transition to eID tags for sheep and farmed goats is well underway as of the beginning of this year,” she said.
“These tags are essential to not only improve the traceability of livestock but will also allow us to respond to and recover from a biosecurity outbreak such as foot and mouth disease.
“The additional $4.5m boost in funding to extend the tag discount for a further two years will help ease the cost pressures to producers who are doing it tough through the current drought.”
From July 1, sheep and goat producers will be able to purchase National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) approved eID tags receiving a 47.5 cents discount at the point of sale for the respective year of birth colour – white (2025), orange (2026) or light green (2027).
In addition to the point-of-sale tag discount, eligible SA producers will be able to apply for eID device rebates for NLIS-accredited tags that fall outside of the year of birth colour scheme.
The expanded rebate will provide a 25 per cent rebate up to 47.5 cents per tag until June 30, 2027.
Livestock SA chief executive officer Travis Tobin said the organisation was thankful for the state government’s discount extension during this tough time.
“Many livestock producers across the state are experiencing one of the worst droughts in recorded history, so this assistance importantly helps reduce some of the costs of doing business,” he said.
“We will continue to work with the government to identify other support measures to ensure an effective transition to sheep and goat eID for livestock producers and the broader industry.”
As of January 1, 2025, all sheep and farmed goats born must be tagged with an NLIS-accredited eID tag before leaving their property of birth.
All other sheep and farmed goats must be eID tagged from January 1, 2027 before leaving the property.
To view the eID implementation timeline and for more information about the support available for producers visit pir.sa.gov.au/eid
