Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Dr Charles Milne

VICTORIAN livestock producers can update their Producer Identification Code details and order sheep and cattle tags with an improved online service announced this week.

Victoria’s chief veterinary officer, Dr Charles Milne, said one of the stand-out features of the improved online service is the ability for a producer to update their Property Identification Code (PIC) by simply clicking on parcels of land on a map.

“We need up-to-date property information to ensure that in the event of a disease or food safety incident we have the right details on record and can contact producers promptly.” Dr Milne said.

All owners of cattle, sheep and goats are required to have a PIC, which can be obtained on line at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/nlis.

“Approximately 55,000 Victorians keep cattle, sheep or goats as commercial producers or for hobby and lifestyle reasons, and the new online service can help all livestock producers keep their PIC details up to date.”

“Producers are required to register each parcel of land that they keep livestock on, including areas where stock are held on agistment, they can now do this by viewing their property on a map either when they order tags or by clicking on the ‘application for a PIC icon.”

“Victorian producers have access to the cheapest electronic National Livestock Identification System-approved tags for cattle, sheep and goats when ordered online at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/nlis.”

Last month Dr Milne said electronic NLIS (Sheep) tag sales increased in Victoria by 36 percent in 2014-15 to over 400,000 tags and cheaper tags would help more Victorian producers harness the benefits of electronic identification.

The cheapest electronic tag, manufactured by Victorian based supplier Leader Products, is now available for 77 cents per tag – this is the cheapest electronic sheep tag in Australia, he said. A further six tag brands are also available for prices ranging from 80 cents to $1.52 each.

Victorian producers also need to ensure that their stock are correctly identified with an NLIS tag before they consign them to a saleyard, abattoir or to another property. Electronic NLIS tags are mandatory for cattle and optional for sheep and goats.

“With lambing season underway, there’s never been a better time for Victorian sheep producers to purchase electronic tags, with more brands to choose from and less expense than ever before.” Dr Milne said.

“The new online service makes management of all NLIS information and products easier and cheaper.”

For further information please call the NLIS Helpline on 1800 678 779 during business hours or visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/nlis.