More than 150 Victorian farmers have now been granted money, under the state government’s sheep and goat electronic identification transition package.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said 151 producers had shared in the $430,496, already granted during the first three rounds of the program.
She said electronic identification tag workshops had also attracted large numbers of farmers.
“The tags are ready to go, we are just waiting for the lambs now,” Ms Pulford said.
“The first of July is when we will be up and running, then we are giving everyone until the end of the year.”
She acknowledged there had been some concern, among livestock producers, transport operators and saleyards.
“It’s a really big change and a big change will always bring some concerns and some anxiety,” Ms Pulford said.
“But this is about continually improving our biosecurity protections.
“There will be inevitably some bumps along the road, it is a big and challenging reform.”
The government expected 10 million sheep and goats to be tagged next year.
“I would not be so bold as to say it is not going to be without it’s hiccups, but I think we are pretty well placed and people are very well prepared,” Ms Pulford said.
The grants would help farmers who wanted to add to the tools they were using to run their businesses.
“It’s been great to see such interest in that as well, I have always thought that was a very strong, second reason to do this.
“It’s going to be an improvement that is going to give us immediate benefits, and add on benefits.”
Sheep and goats born in Victoria after January 1 require an electronic identification tag.
From mid-2017, all saleyards, abattoirs and knackeries will be required to scan electronic tags of sheep and goats and upload the information to the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.
