The potentially wide-ranging benefits of using RFID tags in sheep enterprises are being investigated at six sites across Victoria.
In a three-year evaluation program, Mike Stephens and Associates (MS&A) is working with the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to establish the Radio Frequency Identification tag demonstration sites on commercial enterprises, and analyse the economics.
Historically, Australian producers have managed flocks as a single entity.
Yet MSA consultant, Jim Shovelton, says there are real gains to be made from managing the flock's individuals.
"Sheep CRC research shows that the next big gains in productivity will be in managing the variation between individuals in the flock," Mr Shovelton said.
"For example, it's not unusual to find a variation in fleece value of up to $50 between the best and worst producing sheep in a flock."
The Sheep CRC has also shown there are very significant differences between the performance of individual animals in feedlot finishing conditions.
"If we can identify the really good performing and valuable animals and manage them appropriately, we can maximise productivity and profitability.
"Strategies can also be developed to minimise input costs for the worst performing animals.
"The RFID tags allow producers to select and manage animals on individual merit."
Mr Shovelton said individual animal management can be done in existing commercial enterprises but labour and time requirements - without some level of automation - are often un-realistic.
"However, with reliable RFID tags, hardy scanning devices and associated equipment like automatic drafting races and walk-over-weighers, we have the tools to quickly and accurately collect, read and interpret the data and develop and implement appropriate strategies based on a number of variables for each animal," he said.
Mr Shovelton says the role of RFID tags is being evaluated on-farm under fully commercial circumstances, at the six sites.
"The RFID tag software and hardware is being installed now in shearing sheds and yards, farmers are being trained in how to operate the equipment, and we'll have some preliminary data by the end of the year.
"This will identify labour saving potential, what decisions are able to be made over-and-above those from traditional management, and what bottom line benefits are obtained."