THE adoption of sheep and goat electronic identification technology this year has presented local sheep producers with a timely opportunity to identify the best performing animals within their flock, as drought conditions across the Northern Tablelands force producers to make tough decisions. Using eID data to separate the passengers from the performers is the focus of a new event from Northern Tablelands Local Land Services in partnership with Animal Health & Nutrition Consulting and For Flocks Sake this month.

To be held on June 25 at the Inverell Rugby Club, the event will feature practical demonstrations on using eID technology and show participants how to collect and interpret the data to inform their decision making.

Dr Tim Gole of For Flocks Sake will explore the real-world aspects of using eID tags and the rollercoaster journey of using technology in the field.

With more than 14 years’ veterinary experience, Dr Gole specialises in flock health, genetics and data.

Ebony Nowlan, co-ordinator Sheep and Goat eID, Northern Tablelands Local Land Services said eID technology can provide insights to make decisions about which animals to sell simple.

“By recording weight and growth rates, eID technology can also help producers to know exactly which animals in their flock are in poorest condition, and adjust their supplementary feeding accordingly”, she said.

“With the right training, eID can be a very effective tool for livestock management, especially in drought.”

Dr Jillian Kelly from AHN Consulting will also provide information about livestock nutrition in dry times and drought management strategies such as confinement feeding.

This will be a practical and interactive session that takes complex science and turns it into useable in-the-paddock strategies to better feed livestock.

Dr Kelly has had a long career as both a private and district veterinarian, and now provides livestock health and nutrition services across eastern Australia.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

The event is free, but registration is essential.

To register, go to Data Driven Decision Making and Drought Strategies.

Further resources about the transition to sheep and goat electronic identification can be found on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development HERE.

For more information or tailored advice, contact your local biosecurity officer on 1300 795 299 or visit the Local Land Services website HERE.