NSW Farmers Push for Sheep eID Delay

IMAGE: DPRID NSW

NSW Farmers is calling for the mandatory rollout of electronic identification tags for sheep and farmed goats to be delayed until January 2029, two years later than the current timeframe.

The Association says producers support improved livestock traceability, but only if the system is affordable, workable and supported by a fit-for-purpose National Livestock Identification System database.

NSW Farmers Board Director Ian McColl says delays to critical database upgrades, concerns over implementation and increasing costs for producers mean the current January 2027 deadline cannot be supported.

The group is also calling for the reinstatement of eID tag discounts and exemptions for sheep moving directly from their property of birth to slaughter, saying practical support will be critical to the success of the reforms.