NSW saleyard operators and agents are counting down to the introduction of mandatory mob-based movement recording for sheep and goat transactions starting from 1 September this year.

"The change affects saleyard operators and agents," said Bill OHalloran, National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) sheep and goats coordinator with Industry and Investment NSW.

"It will make livestock tracing much quicker and simpler," he said.

Mr OHalloran said producers simply continue to fill in their livestock movement documents diligently and correctly.

"It has been a requirement since 1 January this year for all sheep and goats to be NLIS tagged before being moved from one property to another property, saleyard or abattoir.

"This has improved the capability to identify all animals to their property of birth or last property of residence.

"Producers need to be aware that using the correct year-of-birth eartag colour will be mandatory in NSW from 1 September for all lambs or kids tagged after that date."

From 1 September, saleyard operators and agents must record to the NLIS database details they obtain from travel documents that accompany livestock movements - such as the National Vendor Declaration (NVD) or Transported Stock Statement (TSS).

Mr OHalloran said the majority of saleyards sell both sheep and cattle so they have already had experience with NLIS for cattle.

"Some saleyards have started recording mob-based sheep movements to the NLIS database as a service to their clients - and the system is working well," he said.

"Since 1 July this year, eight NSW saleyards have uploaded 857 mobs. "The next step is for ALL saleyard operators and agents to come on board by the start of next month."

Mr OHalloran said many NSW saleyard operators and agents had taken advantage of $12,000 Federal Government grants to purchase computer software and hardware to meet the new recording requirements and training.

"Industry and Investment NSW is assisting agents to become familiar with the requirements and is holding training with groups later this month."

Mr OHalloran reminded all livestock producers that they need a Property Identification Code (PIC) to be able to fill in their National Vendor Declaration - and these are available from your local Livestock Health and Pest Authority.

"All buyers must give their destination PIC number to the selling agent at the time of purchase," he said.

"Saleyard operators and agents need producers to fill in their livestock movement documents so they are complete, correct and clear.

"This includes vendors listing all tag PIC numbers on the NVD or applying a pink transaction tag. Otherwise filling in the crucial information needed for mob based movement recording will not be possible."

Details of how to record mob-based movements are available by calling the NLIS Helpdesk on 1800 654 743 or by going to the website www.nlis.com.au

Mob based movement recording will be introduced for abattoirs in January 2010 and for property to property transactions from July 2010 under a national agreement between industry and governments.

Further reading

NLIS

Media contact: Phil Bevan, I&I NSW, Wollongbar 0429 458 053