Stepping up traceability

Stepping up sheep and goat traceability requirements

The state government is boosting traceability standards to protect Victoria’s $6.7 billion livestock industry.

The action and performance levels for Victorian sheep and goat saleyards and processing facilities will be increased from 80 to 90 per cent from March 31 next year.

Levels were originally set at 80 per cent to facilitate a smooth transition for industry to the new electronic National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) for sheep and goats. Most saleyards and processors are already achieving read rates close to 100 per cent of the electronic NLIS tags on sheep and goats, so the impact of raising these levels is expected to be minimal.

Industry has embraced the new system, with scanning infrastructure and software installed in all sheep selling saleyards and processing plants, supported by the state government’s $17 million transition package.

The phased implementation of electronic identification, supported by the Sheep and Goat Identification Advisory Committee, has allowed saleyards, agents and processors to adapt without major disruption to established practices.

Victoria is the first state in Australia to introduce mandatory electronic identification for sheep and goats, which will provide trading partners with increased confidence in the safety and origin of Victorian products – protecting and enhancing access to expanding and profitable local and export markets.

The state government will continue to support saleyards and processors through the transition.