NEW South Wales sheep producers will be shown how electronic identification adoption can provide opportunities to utilise data for drought management at an event at Inverell this month.

Northern Tablelands Local Land Services said the adoption of sheep and goat EID technology this year has presented sheep producers with a timely opportunity to identify the best performing animals within their flock, as drought conditions across the region force producers to make tough decisions.

Using EID data to separate the passengers from the performers is the focus of a new event from Northern Tablelands Local Land Services in partnership with Animal Health & Nutrition Consulting and For Flocks Sake this June.

The event on Thursday 25 June at the Inverell Rugby Club will feature practical demonstrations on using EID technology and show participants how to collect and interpret the data to inform their decision making.

Dr Tim Gole of For Flocks Sake will explore the real-world aspects of using EID tags and the rollercoaster journey of using technology in the field. With over 14 years of veterinary experience, Dr Gole specialises in flock health, genetics and data.

Northern Tablelands LLS coordinator sheep & goat EID Ebony Nowlan said as sheep producers re-assess their current stocking rates, EID technology can provide insights to make decisions about which animals to sell simple.

“By recording weight and growth rates, EID technology can also help producers to know exactly which animals in their flock are in poorest condition, and adjust their supplementary feeding accordingly.

“With the right training, EID can be a very effective tool for livestock management, especially in drought,” she said.

Dr Jillian Kelly from AHN Consulting will also provide information about livestock nutrition in dry times and drought management strategies such as confinement feeding. This will be a practical and interactive session that takes complex science and turns it into useable in-the-paddock strategies to better feed livestock. Dr Kelly has had a long career as both a private and district veterinarian, and now provides livestock health and nutrition services across eastern Australia. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Further resources about the transition to sheep and goat electronic identification can be found on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/your-role-in-biosecurity/primary-producers/nlis/eID

For more information or tailored advice, contact your local biosecurity officer on 1300 795 299 or visit the Local Land Services website.

The event is free, but registration is essential. To register for the event visit the Local Land Services website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/local-land-services/events/data-driven-decision-making-and-drought-strategies.

For more information about the event or tailored advice about eID technology, contact your closest Northern Tablelands Local Land Services office on 1300 795