Yarding cattle on agistment in the Western Division.

Given the responsibilities, property owners could consider the value of preparing and agreeing on a written contract with the owner of the cattle, says NSW DPI beef livestock officer, John Irwin.

Some important considerations need to be made, particularly with reference to provisions of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), before taking cattle on agistment into the Western Division.

"As the first step, it is advisable to make contact with the Rural Lands Protection Board in the area," NSW Department of Primary Industries beef livestock officer, John Irwin, said.

"They will be able to explain key considerations, along with a warning that not abiding by the regulations can lead to significant monetary fines."

"It is the cattle owners’ responsibility to ensure that all cattle, including calves and bulls, are fitted with an approved NLIS device prior to departing the property of origin."

The Western Division of NSW is also a bovine Johne’s Disease (BJD) protected zone.

Cattle from higher disease risk areas, called BJD residual zones or control zones, must meet conditions prior to movement to the Western Division.

Moving breeding cattle from a bovine Johne’s disease residual or control zone requires evidence they have a lower disease risk.

Failure to meet these requirements could result in exposing Western Division herds to the risk of BJD, quarantine restrictions or prosecution.

"Property owners should insist that the owner of the cattle fully understands the requirements to introduce cattle into the Western Division by visiting either the RLPB or DPI office," Mr Irwin said.

"The owner of the cattle, or the person in charge of them, is responsible for ensuring that animals are legally identified and movement is recorded on the NLIS database.

"This must be done within seven days."

Given the necessary arrangements and responsibilities, property owners could consider the value of preparing and agreeing on a written contract with the owner of the cattle, according to Mr Irwin.

Contact the NSW DPI NLIS helpdesk on (1300) 720 405 or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/nlis