Nathan Scott scanning ewes with electronic ear tags.

VICTORIAN sheep and goat producers needing more information on electronic identification technology and data have several workshops to choose from over the next two months.

Agriculture Victoria is conducting on-farm workshops to demonstrate how electronic identification (EID) technology and data can be used to make better management decisions.

These workshops for sheep and goat producers will provide an opportunity to learn from independent experts about the potential uses of electronic tagging and related technology. They will feature Nathan Scott from Achieve AG Solutions and will also provide opportunities for local farmers to talk to the various EID equipment and software manufacturers.

Agriculture Victoria’s director of sheep electronic identification Warren Straw said that producers will also get the opportunity to hear from other farmers already using these digital technology options in their farming systems.

“This round of workshops is the chance to see the practical and beneficial steps involved in transitioning across to electronic tagging technology.”

“The workshops will cover a number of topics including understanding how the data can inform farm management decisions, practical ways to overcome any implementation issues, and the opportunity to learn directly from experienced fellow producers,” Mr Straw said.

The dates and locations of the workshops are:
·        Tuesday, April 4, Stratford, Gippsland
·        Friday, April 7, Marnoo, north-west Victoria
·        Thursday, April 20, Stockyard Hill, central Victoria
·        Thursday, April 27, Byaduk, south-west Victoria
·        Thursday, May 4, Violet Town, north-east Victoria

Producers interested in attending the workshops can get more information and register at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/EIDworkshops, or by calling the EID events line on 03 5761 1647.

Source: Agriculture Victoria.