The Sheep and Goat electronic Identification (eID) Tag Discount Program will now continue until December 31, with an extra $4 million added to support producers. The program helps farmers adopt mandatory eID tags for sheep and goats.
The eID program is part of a larger $1 billion biosecurity plan aimed at protecting the state’s $20 billion agriculture sector from pests and diseases. This system strengthens livestock traceability and improves biosecurity and animal management in the sheep and goat industries.
Electronic identification tags became compulsory on January 1, 2025, for all sheep and goats born after this date. The new funding offers producers a $0.76 discount on accredited 2025 eID tags until the end of the year or until the funds run out.
Since November 2024, nearly 9.8 million eID tags have been bought. In 2025, over 800,500 eID tags were scanned at saleyards. Around 15.5% of sheep and goats passing through saleyards already have eID tags.
Since the start of 2025, saleyards must scan eID devices for all sheep and goats. Producers also must use eID tags for all movements of animals born after January 1.
Producers, processors, saleyards, and agents have received support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Staff have attended 895 events in 204 locations, launched training workshops, and shared stories about using eID on farms.
More details and updates are available on the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website, along with a newsletter focused on sheep and goat eID.