Ag consultant Nathan Scott scanning ewes with electronic ear tags.

NEW South Wales sheep producers are being encouraged to attend a Merinolink sheep handler/drafter demonstration field day on 22 February to inform their choices while a NSW Government equipment cost rebate program is underway.

The NSW Government has released an industry implementation plan for the roll out of EID tagging, that includes the provision of a rebate for eligible industry participants. More information about the implementation plan is available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/eid.

NSW primary producers, processors, saleyards (including local government saleyards) and stock and station agents may be eligible for the rebate to supplement the cost of purchasing and installing EID tagging systems.

Applications will be accepted until 31 January 2024 for processors and saleyards and 31 March 2024 for primary producers and agents, or until program funding is exhausted.

The Merinolink day has been rescheduled to 22 February and will involve a bus tour around various properties near Bathurst to view a variety of sheep handlers and their associated equipment in a working property environment.

Each property will demonstrate a different product, by the representatives of the company. Producers will have the opportunity to see the equipment in action, ask questions, provide feedback and take advantage of any offers the companies may have.

Companies demonstrating equipment will include BreedELITE, Clipex, Pratley, TePari and Shearwell.

The bus will leave from Bathurst McDonalds (Durham Street) at about 8:30am, returning at around 4pm. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Click here for tickets for the limited places available on the bus tour.