Sheep might not have enough space in their ears to cope with what is being described as a knee jerk suggestion – transaction tags for each new owner of sheep and goats.
Not only has the proposal been branded as an unnecessary cost – it has also raised welfare concerns for the stock.
Sheep already carry a breeder’s tag and could end up with several transaction tags after being traded.
The multiple transaction tag plan was suggested by the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) sheep committee in reaction to the European Union delegation's audit findings last June, which revealed flaws in the traceability of stock to their last place of residence.
However, transaction tags weren't addressing the core problem of traceability, which comes back to the correct completion of the paperwork accompanying NLIS, says NSW Farmers Association sheepmeat committee chairman, Ian McColl.
Mr McColl's warning came just before the introduction of the final stage of the NLIS sheep and goat requirements for the current system, which comes into place this week, on January 1.
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