NSW is currently transitioning to mandatory individual electronic identification for sheep and goats.In September 2022, all agricultural ministers in Australia agreed to work towards mandatory implementation of sheep and goat eIDs nation-wide by 1 January 2025. Because of that commitment, the NSW Government and sheep and goat industries are working together to develop a plan for meeting that 1 January 2025 date. NSW DPI and representatives from sectors across the sheep and goat industries are working together to develop a draft implementation plan for mandatory sheep and goat eID’s in NSW. All representatives sit on the NSW eID Sheep and Goat Reference Group (see below).

‍https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/nlis/sheep-and-goat-electronic-identification

Changes effective from July 1, 2020. Mandatory January 1, 2021.

The current versions of NVDs for all species (cattle, EU-cattle, sheep & lambs, goats and bobby calves) will continue to be accepted until 31st of December 2020.

From the 1st of  January 2021, only the updated versions of all NVDs (0720) will be accepted for all species.The digital LPA eNVD system will automatically switch over to the new version from the 1st of July 2020.If you are using the “eDEC” system it will be decommissioned.Books are still available and free of charge.

Some Updates include;
Users only have to answer questions once – the new system auto-fill’s duplicate answers across all different forms automatically
Mobile friendly – use on any mobile device or desktop computer. It is completely responsive to the size of the screen being used
Digital signatures & brands – users can draw their signature and/or brand using a touch-screen device or mouse.
Consignment templates allow users to pre-fill accompanying documents.
Unlimited space for livestock descriptions
Print at any time
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NVDs are a legal document that are key to Australian red meat’s traceability and market access. It is crucial that you fill out the NVD accurately.

The definition of lamb is changing in Australia – from 1 July 2019. The current definition of lamb is ‘A female, castrate or entire male that has 0 permanent incisor teeth’.

The new definition is ‘an ovine animal that:
(a) is under 12 months of age; or
(b) does not have any permanent incisor teeth in wear.’

This means a lamb is able to cut one or both of its permanent central incisor teeth, as long as they are not in wear.View a video guide into the new changes for lamb definition – https://youtu.be/q7ZvjAg6JWs

Ensure that when your lambs/sheep reach the processors they don’t display puncture wounds, bruising and damage to carcases. If so you could face heavy discounts and even more importantly come under scrutiny about your on-farm animal welfare practices. You could face the possibility of no longer having access to that processor for future sales. Regularly check your dog’s muzzles. Check they are sized accordingly and that they are fitted correctly. Check carriers and transport companies, have also muzzled their dogs when in your yards.

Audits are selected at random from the database of all LPA accredited producers, including producers with just a few head. Approx 7000 audits are conducted each year. Check the LPA Audit Checklist (PDF Doc) to see if you are prepared for an audit. LPA Hotline: 1800 683 111 or email: lpa@mla.com.au

Russian Eligible – Sheep / Cattle have NOT received Oxytetracycline or Chortetracycline antibiotics within the past 90 days.Saudi Eligible – Sheep / Cattle have NOT been fed feed containing animal fats.
Products containing Oxytetracycline or Chortetracycline, and a Safe Meat notice of requirements.