NSW sheep and goat farmers can access $2 million in new funding for electronic identification (eID) equipment. The rebate helps producers and livestock agents buy handheld eID readers at a reduced cost. Eligible applicants can claim 50 per cent of the cost, up to $1,500. Rebates will be available from early March 2026.
The program supports accurate tracking of sheep and goats, improving farm management and productivity. eID equipment also helps meet mandatory requirements for property-to-property stock movements. Farmers can collect data on individual animals, aiding decisions during changing seasonal conditions.
eID adoption is growing rapidly. Since November 2024, 15.2 million eID tags have been purchased. More than 1.79 million tags were scanned in saleyards in 2025. Around 22.4 per cent of sheep and goats passing through saleyards already have eID tags.
The funding is part of a broader $41 million state program for mandatory electronic identification of sheep and goats. The initiative aims to protect biosecurity, strengthen the agricultural sector, and maintain export standards.
Farmers and livestock agents are encouraged to take up the rebate to improve herd management, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.