Bobby calves and NLIS obligations

Producers looking to take advantage of the booming beef market are being warned their obligations under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) have not changed.

Agriculture Victoria animal health officer John Bodey said the autumn season has been great for cattle farmers in the Gippsland region so more bobby calves than usual were heading off to be reared.

“Many bobby calves which would normally go to the abattoirs, are instead being sold to grow into beef,” Mr Bodey said.

“So it’s important to remind people what they need to do when selling their cattle.

“All cattle, regardless of age, and wherever they are sent, must be identified with an NLIS tag prior to dispatch from the property of birth, and that tag stays with the animal for life.

“Cutting out NLIS tags and replacing them with your own is illegal.”

The NLIS is an Australia-wide system for identifying and tracing cattle.

It is a legal obligation that the unique identification for every animal, and the Property Identification Codes (PIC) of the seller and buyer, must be recorded within seven days of the movement of animals.

“NLIS tags are not ownership tags, they are an electronic device that facilitates whole of life tracing of animals to help us respond to disease outbreaks or food safety issues, which is important to all our livelihoods given the value of our exports,” Mr Bodey said.

“Collecting and registering movement information is easy. It can be done using a tag reading wand and computer connected to the internet. You’ll also need an NLIS database account.”

There are now smart phone apps that make use of new technology like Bluetoothequipped wands, so the transfer can be done simpler, quicker and easier wherever there is mobile or Wi-Fi reception.

If the bobby calf is purchased through the saleyards, the saleyard operator will do the transfers for you.

If the purchase is arranged directly and brokered by a registered Livestock Agent then the Agent has until close of business the next day after the cattle are sold to do the transfer for you.

Agriculture Victoria staff are available to help with information on the NLIS and identification requirements.