As part of the national transition to electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats, the State Government has opened applications for its eID device rebate scheme to assist producers in adopting the new requirements.
Under the South Australian rebate program, producers will receive a 50 per cent rebate up to a cap of $0.95 (GST exclusive) on the purchase price of each 2023 year-of-birth eID tag. These tags are accredited by the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and purchased between January 1 and December 31, 2023.
The new national system requires sheep and farmed goats born on or after January 1 2025 to be identified with an NLIS accredited eID device before leaving their property of birth.
Electronic identification devices, also called eID tags, allow the individual identification of animals. These devices contain a radio frequency identifier (RFID) microchip that can be read using scanning equipment. The technology was implemented for cattle in South Australia in 2004 and has been used for sheep and goats in Victoria since 2017.
Applications for the eID device rebate (2023) will open on October 5 2023, and close at 5pm (ACST) on April 30, 2024.
To be eligible for the rebate, producers must have an active property identification code (PIC) and be registered with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.
Read more about eligibility and how to apply for eID device rebates at pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/animal_health/animal_species/sheep/eid_sheep_and_goats/eid_device_rebates
