Lambs with electronic ear tags.

SHEEP producers in New South Wales have been reminded to access their state’s electronic ear tag discount before the end of the month, and a review has recommended a second round of support for Queensland producers, in the latest national EID rollout news.

The sheep and goat EID tag discount for NSW producers concludes on December 31.

The program provides a discount of $0.76 each (incl. GST) for 2025 NLIS-accredited white EID devices when purchased from a retailer or manufacturer between 1 November 2024 to 31 December 2025 (or until funds are exhausted) and includes EID tags and leg bands.

NSW’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said there has been a strong uptake of EID tags, with about 15 million EID tags purchased since November 2024, nearly 1.8 million EIDs scanned in saleyards in 2025 so far and about 22.4 percent of the sheep and goats coming through saleyards already equipped with an EID device.

Since 1 January, all NSW saleyards have been required to scan electronic identification (EID) devices for sheep and goats and producers have been required to attach EID tags to any lambs or kids born after that date before they are moved.

Processors, saleyards, agents and producers have benefited from a diverse range of support activities from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Sheep & Goat EID implementation team, NSW DPIRD said.

Since January 2023, extension staff have interacted with over 24000 stakeholders at 1295 industry events in 240 locations across the state, launched online and in-person training workshops, and developed stories showcasing the real-world application of EID on NSW farms.

For more information on the implementation of EID for sheep and goats in NSW please visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) website and sign up to the NSW sheep and goat EID newsletter – https://bit.ly/3U7Q3CK

Queensland producers to get more assistance

In Queensland, an independent review commission by the Crisafulli Government has recommended an additional round of financial assistance for producers in 2026.

Mandatory individual electronic identification (EID) for sheep and goats started in Queensland on 1 January 2025, as part of a national initiative.

The review recommended a second round of financial assistance and ongoing industry engagement aimed at enhancing early adoption and industry readiness for full implementation of sheep and goat EID by 1 January 2027.

The second round of financial assistance, including point-of-sale discounts on sheep and goat EID devices, will be opened in 2026.

Additionally, from 2026, Queensland processors, saleyards and agriculture show sub chambers may also be eligible for a capped rebate of up to 50pc of the cost of eligible items such as EID device readers.

Under the EID changes any sheep or goats born this year require an EID device before leaving their property and by January 2027 all sheep and goats must be fitted with the device before leaving their property.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government had not only listened but delivered, and stands committed to ensuring financial assistance is equitable, accessible and effective in supporting the industry’s transition to mandatory EID.

“The Crisafulli Government has delivered on its commitment to review cost-sharing arrangements for Queensland’s sheep and goat producers as they transition to EID,” he said.

“Unlike the previous Labor Government we are committed to working with the primary industries sector to deliver tangible outcomes in consultation with industry, rather than dictating from Brisbane.

“The independent review by ACIL Allen found a high level of support for EID and its importance to livestock industry integrity, however, it also found opportunities for improvement to support industry readiness for full implementation by January 2027.”

Mr Perrett said some of these opportunities for improvement include more face-to-face engagement to enhance early adoption and industry readiness, and the second round of financial assistance including point-of-sale discounts on EID devices.

“While we are delivering financial support for sheep and goat producers, there is much more to be done to deliver for Queensland’s future, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised.”

For more information, visit: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/animal/nlis/sheep-goat-identification/rebates.