The Sheep and Goat eID Tag Discount Program has been extended to December 31, with an additional $4 million allocated to the program as part of the Minns Government's plan to support producers in the implementation of mandatory electronic identification tags.
The roll out of the eID program is part of the Minns Government's more than $1 billion biosecurity plans designed to protect and secure the State's $20 billion primary industry sector from invasive pests and diseases.
The eID program is essential in strengthening the integrity of the state's livestock traceability system and represents a significant step forward in biosecurity and livestock management for the NSW sheep and goat industry.
It also helps the NSW Government to respond more effectively to disease outbreaks and ensuring the continued competitiveness of the NSW agricultural industry.
The use of eID tags became mandatory on 1 January 2025 for all sheep and goats born from this date. The additional funding ensures producers will now receive a discount of $0.76 (including GST) for NLIS accredited white 2025 devices up until 31 December 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
The program extension comes following a strong uptake of eID tags, with approximately 9.8 million eID tags purchased since November 2024, more than 800,500 eIDs scanned in saleyards in 2025 so far and approximately 15.5% of the sheep and goats coming through saleyards already equipped with an eID.
Since January 1, NSW saleyards have been required to scan electronic identification devices in sheep and goats and producers have to use eID devices for movements of sheep and goats born from this date.
Processors, saleyards, agents and producers have benefited from a diverse range of support activities from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development eID implementation team.
Since January 2024, extension staff have attended 895 industry events across 204 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.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
"The eID Roll out is an important plank in the Government's biosecurity plans.
It is about protecting our export markets, about protecting against exotic disease and it is about protecting the livelihood of famers and their families.
"We are really pleased to see such strong uptake and support for the program since January 1 and this additional funding will ensure more producers are supported during the implementation process.
"This program ensures NSW producers will continue to lead the world in biosecurity safety and maintain their export premiums.
"We will continue working with producers, agents, saleyards and processors to implement eID in their operations."
