New laws show Govt backing farmers — O’Connor
The passing of the Farm Debt Mediation and NAIT laws last night shows the Government’s commitment to work alongside and help farmers, says Ag Minister Damien O’Connor.
Cattle born since July 2012 must be tagged within six months of birth, or before they are moved off farm, whichever comes first, NAIT said in a reminder notice circulated earlier this month.
"We recommend farmers tag animals at the earliest possible time after birth," said acting farm operations manager Dan Schofield. "For best tag retention animals should be tagged in the inner part of the ear between the two veins."
They should also be registered with NAIT within one week of tagging, or before they leave the property, whichever is sooner.
Schofield says stock born before July 2012 considered too dangerous to tag should be slaughtered before 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."
Consultation reviewing the impractical-to-tag levy, scheduled to end July 2015, is underway.
