“A subsidy of $330 is still available for each producer of group of producers who purchase NLIS reader equipment before the end of June,” NSW DPI’s NLIS project officer, Alison McIntosh, said.

“It’s not just about recording movements – we are finding that producers are able to use information they gather electronically to make animal management decisions in a very informed way.”

NLIS is mandatory and producers need to comply with the system ensuring all livestock movements are recorded properly including property-to-property transfers.

“The NLIS database allows animal movements to be traced, which is one of the most important aspects of any disease outbreak, helping to control the spread and reducing its impact on the industry,” Ms McIntosh said.

“The recent Equine Influenza (EI) outbreak demonstrated the importance of being able to track animal movements at all

times, further supporting the value of the NLIS.

“Accurate and timely recording of stock movements is of utmost importance, not only for the protection of our $15 billion beef industry but also to help individual producers make-on farm management decisions be accessing information about their cattle from the database.”

The subsidy is also available to those cattle producers who have already purchased reading equipment dating back to January 1, 2005, in recognition of their proactive efforts.

The application form can be obtained from www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 1300 720 405.