Drought drops sheep, cattle numbers
Sheep and cattle numbers continue to decline, and this year's drought hasn't helped, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).
"We are entering the final 12 months of NAIT's three-year transition for cattle. By 1 July 2015, all stock should be tagged and registered in the NAIT database," said Dan Schofield, acting NAIT and farm operations manager.
This includes cattle that were born before the NAIT scheme became mandatory on 1 July 2012. Cattle born since July 2012 must be tagged within six months of birth, or before they are moved off farm, whichever comes first.
"However, we recommend farmers tag animals at the earliest possible time after birth. This means they will be far easier to handle. For best tag retention animals should be tagged in the inner part of the ear between the two veins," says Schofield.
"Farmers are reminded to tag their stock and register them with NAIT within one week of tagging, or before they leave the property, whichever is soonest."
Registration is a key requirement of the NAIT scheme. It links the tag used to an animal's birth farm and also shows the current location of the tagged animal. Performing the animal registration allows that animal to be eligible for lifetime traceability within the NAIT system.
"If farmers have any stock born before 1 July 2012 that they consider too dangerous to tag we recommend sending these animals to slaughter before 1 July 2015. These animals must already have a TBfree New Zealand bar-coded primary ear tag to be eligible and the impractical to tag levy will apply," says Schofield.
NAIT is beginning a consultation process for the review of the impractical to tag levy as it is currently expected to cease from 1 July 2015.
In the event of a disease outbreak or biosecurity incursion, NAIT data will help New Zealand manage its response, so farmers can get back to business sooner.
By keeping their NAIT records up to date farmers are playing their part in:
• Protecting farmers' income
• Safeguarding our livestock industry
• Enhancing our reputation for producing safe, high quality products
• Enabling a fast response to animal disease outbreaks
• Maintaining access to global markets
For more information, visit www.nait.co.nz or call 0800 624 843
