Thirteen Victorian saleyards are set for major changes with the Andrews Labor Government providing assistance in the move towards mandatory electronic tagging of sheep and goats.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford announced the grants today, which will support Victorian saleyards transition to the new system.
Saleyards in Pakenham, Leongatha, Sale, Bairnsdale, Colac, Warrnambool, Wycheproof, Ouyen, Swan Hill, Nhill, Horsham, Warracknabeal and Shepparton will receive grants to purchase and install new scanning equipment and software.
Saleyards are required to scan and upload data for all electronically tagged sheep and goats from 31 March next year.
The funding follows the development of plans for each saleyard’s infrastructure requirements for electronic identification, following consultation with local agents, transporters and saleyard staff, often with assistance from specialist contractors.
Total infrastructure funding for these thirteen saleyards comes to more than $1.5 million. It follows last month’s announcement that Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange was the first major saleyard to receive a grant for electronic identification equipment.
Electronic identification is already boosting traceability and efficiency across the supply chain, further promoting our excellence in agriculture production worldwide.
Ms Pulford also encouraged businesses such as stock agents, transporters, scanning contractors, agricultural show operators and export companies to apply for available equipment and software grants by 31 December.
These grants can fund equipment such as wand and panel readers, as well as software to collect and manage data and record movements on the National Livestock Identification System database.
The Labor Government has been helping farmers and everyone across the supply chain make the transition with its $17 million industry and farmer support package.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“We’re proud to lead the nation in the move towards mandatory electronic tagging of sheep and goats. We said we wouldn’t let industry absorb these changes alone – that’s why we’re supporting them to get the job done.”
“Introducing this important reform to electronically tag sheep and goats protects market access for our valuable livestock industries and supports innovation and greater productivity through the supply chain.”
“These grants demonstrate how government, saleyards and industry are working collaboratively to make sure Victoria has one of the best traceability systems in the world.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020