SPA chair Bindi Murray — SPA’s first commercial partnership to sell products directly to producers

AUSTRALIAN sheep and goat producers outside Victoria will be able to buy cheaper electronic ear tags online through an industry-first initiative by peak body Sheep Producers Australia.

Sheep Producers Australia today said it would be selling EID tags online in an initiative designed to cut costs, improve access, and reinvest in the future of the sector.

The initiative reduces the margin on tags from whole sale to retail in all states except Victoria, with New South Wales producers now able to buy tags for around a $1 with the state rebate, versus about $1.30 via commercial reseller.

Victorian producers must continue to purchase tags through Agriculture Victoria and can’t purchase tags through SPA.

SPA chair Bindi Murray said the platform was developed to make traceability reforms simpler and more affordable for producers, while ensuring any profits are directed back into industry support, including advocacy, biosecurity, and producer development programs.

“Research commissioned two years ago showed producers wanted more control over ordering and better tag pricing,” Ms Murray said.

“We’ve responded by offering a simple, cost-effective online option that supports the people who matter most — producers at the farmgate.”

From January 1, 2025, EID became mandatory for all sheep and goats in Australia. SPA led national efforts to deliver a consistent traceability system and is now providing practical tools to help producers implement it.

In partnership with Leader Products, producers can register via the SPA website and order tags online, with orders typically dispatched within three business days. Leader is an Australian-owned company with proven online ordering and fulfilment systems tailored to livestock identification.

“Only a small percentage of sheep tags are purchased online at the moment, compared to almost half of cattle tags” Ms Murray said.

“That gap shows the opportunity — by offering producers a digital channel, we’re creating a more resilient, flexible system ready for future demand.”

This marks SPA’s first commercial partnership to sell products directly to producers.

“It’s a new model for the Australian sheep industry, used successfully in other countries and grounded in the same principle that’s always guided us — delivering real value to producers,” Ms Murray said.

“If there are any profits, they’ll be reinvested into the sheep industry — including vital work in advocacy, biosecurity, and supporting future leaders through mentoring and development opportunities.”

Other Leader products are also available through the initiative.

EID tags can be purchased through https://www.sheepproducers.com.au/mob-mate