Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

It’S Tag Time For Sheep And Goats

In January this year, the sheep and goat industries, with the support of State and Commonwealth Governments, agreed to introduce the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).

By Department of Primary Industries - 23rd November 2006 - Back to News

The NLIS (Sheep & Goats) is Australia’s system for the identification and tracing of sheep and farmed goats. It is needed to enhance Australia’s ability to quickly and successfully contain a major food safety or disease incident, and to help maintain access to key export markets.

The system uses visually readable ear tags printed with a Property Identification Code (PIC), complemented by National Vendor Declarations (NVDs) supplied by consignors, for identification and tracking purposes.

The requirements for NLIS (Sheep & Goats) are summarised below:

•  All properties running sheep or farmed goats must have a Property Identification Code (PIC).
• Consignors must provide a NVD when dispatching sheep or goats of any age to a saleyard, abattoir or another property (with a different PIC).
• All sheep and farmed goats born after 1 January 2006 must be identified with a NLIS Sheep Breeder Tag before being dispatched to a saleyard or to another property.
• Consignors of sheep and farmed goats that are already tagged with a NLIS Sheep Tag must either record on their NVD all PIC’s printed on the NLIS Sheep Tags attached to the consigned stock, or attach a pink NLIS Sheep Post Breeder Tag to each animal
• Sheep and farmed goats consigned direct to slaughter "Over the Hooks" will be exempt from tagging, with this exemption scheduled for review in 2007.
• Sheep and goats born before 1 January 2006 will not need to be tagged until 1 January 2009. After this date, all sheep and farmed goats will need to be identified before leaving their property of consignment.

There are two types of visual NLIS Sheep Tags endorsed for the permanent identification of sheep and farmed goats:

NLIS Sheep Breeder Tags

These are colour coded for the year of birth with the colour for 2006 being RED. They must be used to identify sheep and goats that are still on their property of birth.

NLIS Sheep Post Breeder Tags

These are PINK and can be used to identify sheep and goats no longer on the property on which they were born, introduced animals that have lost their original Sheep Breeder Tag and sheep still on their property of birth, but born before 1 January 2006.

NLIS sheep tags can be attached to either the right or left ear, although trials indicate that fewer tags are lost at shearing when placed in the left ear.

Some commonly asked questions are:

What do I do when I want to sell sheep that I purchased (born after 1 January 2006) that are already NLIS identified?

1. You can attach a pink post breeder tag (with your PIC printed on it) to all of the consigned sheep and use your PIC on the NVD; or
2. You can list the PICs (from the previous owner/breeder) printed on the breeder tags already attached to the sheep, on the NVD that you would send with the consigned sheep. This option would work well if you have only purchased sheep from one or two different vendors. However, if you have purchase sheep from several vendors, then Option 1 could be a more suitable method.

Where do I get NLIS Sheep Tags?

NLIS sheep tags cannot be ordered through DPI. They can be purchased through your local rural merchandise outlet. There are currently seven manufacturers with tags, which have been approved for the NLIS (Sheep & Goats).

Are NVDs required when selling my sheep and goats?

Consignors must provide a NVD when dispatching sheep or goats of any age to a saleyard, abattoir or another property (with a different PIC). If you have a valid PIC, you can obtain Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) NVDs by phoning the LPA helpline on 1800 683 111 during office hours or by visiting www.mla.com.au/lpa

For further information on the requirements for NLIS (Sheep & Goats), call DPI’s toll-free helpline on 1800 678 779 during office hours, or visit DPI’s website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au. You can also pick up a brochure Your Guide to Victoria’s Sheep & Goat Identification Legislation at your local DPI office.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Drouin’s Commercial Place Stage 1 of the $1.1M project set to begin this to boost safety, accessibility and vibrancy
  Stage 1 of the $1.1 million Drouin Commercial Place upgrade begins this week, improving safety, accessibility, footpaths, carparks, and pedestrian areas, with minimal disruption and partial parking available.
• CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
  A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
• Kurnai College supports young Gippslanders completing Year 12 while balancing parenting and education challenges
  Kurnai College’s Young Parents Program helps Gippsland students complete Year 12, gain VET qualifications, and build confidence, resilience, and life skills while providing onsite childcare and strong community support.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 10-Year Master Plan to preserve and enhance Drouin’s Alex Goudie Park
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed a 10-year master plan for Drouin’s Alex Goudie Park, guiding future improvements, protecting its natural and cultural heritage, and enhancing amenities for community enjoyment.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor for six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground after 2019-20 bushfires
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor’s six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground, highlighting unsafe facilities, limited capacity, and urgent need for infrastructure replacement to support local families and tourism.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation.
• Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
  As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• Danny O’Brien congratulates local football and netball clubs recognised through this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program
  Gippsland South football and netball clubs have secured TAC Club Rewards funding, promoting safe driving and road safety awareness through community-led initiatives supported by AFL Victoria.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland delights Wilson Lodge residents and 98-year-old Joyce, boosting wellbeing and community connection for older people
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland celebrated its oldest passenger, 98-year-old Joyce Grimer, and welcomed Wilson Lodge residents, providing free trishaw rides that promote wellbeing, social connection, and community engagement for older Australians.
• Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
  Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent.
• Tracey Ah Sam named East Gippsland 2026 Citizen of the Year for exceptional service to Omeo community
  Tracey Ah Sam has been named East Gippsland’s 2026 Citizen of the Year for over 30 years’ dedicated service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Omeo community.
• Baw Baw Shire Council extends Acting CEO Mick Cummins’ leadership through 2 January 2026 during CEO’s absence
  Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Mick Cummins’ Acting CEO role until 2 January 2026, supporting the organisation while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.
• East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
  Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region.
• Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
  Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley.
• Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
  Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning.
• East Gippsland Council urges drivers to follow parking limits, protect access and support local businesses this festive season
  East Gippsland drivers are urged to follow festive-season parking limits, respecting time restrictions, loading zones, and disabled bays to ensure town accessibility and support local businesses.
• Danny O’Brien denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
  Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services.
• Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December.
• Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
  Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media.
• Latrobe City Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
  Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease.
• Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
  Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
• Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South closing temporarily for upgrades from 28 January to 31 March 2026
  Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South will be upgraded with new climbing, swing, and junior play zones, closing 28 January to 31 March 2026, as part of Council’s renewal program.