Extend the mandatory NLIS eID deadline for sheep
The issue
This online petition has been established to give sheep producers, farmers, graziers and members of the rural community across New South Wales an opportunity to formally express their concerns about the current mandatory NLIS electronic identification (eID) implementation deadline of 1 January 2027.
A formal letter is also being sent to members of the NSW Parliament, including representatives of regional and rural communities, calling for a substantial extension to the implementation timeframe. This correspondence is supported by an existing collection of signatures from concerned local farmers and producers. The signatures gathered through this online petition will be added to that existing representation, further demonstrating the strength of feeling and widespread concern within the farming community.
We are calling on the NSW Government to extend the mandatory implementation deadline to 1 January 2032, allowing a more practical and manageable transition for sheep producers.
Farmers understand the importance of livestock traceability and are not opposed to electronic identification. However, the current timeframe presents significant financial, operational and animal welfare challenges. Many producers still have substantial numbers of sheep carrying approved existing visual NLIS tags and face the prospect of bringing these animals back through the yards to be retagged.
The additional cost of tags, labour, handling and potential disruption to livestock sales and normal farm operations places an unreasonable burden on producers who have already complied with the identification requirements in place at the time.
A longer transition period would allow existing flocks to progressively move to electronic identification through normal livestock turnover, reducing unnecessary costs, handling and stress on animals.
Please sign and share this petition. Every signature will help demonstrate to the NSW Government that farmers want a practical, affordable and fair transition that recognises the realities of sheep production and protects the interests of our rural communities.
Together, we are asking the NSW Government to listen to producers and reconsider the current deadline.
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The issue
This online petition has been established to give sheep producers, farmers, graziers and members of the rural community across New South Wales an opportunity to formally express their concerns about the current mandatory NLIS electronic identification (eID) implementation deadline of 1 January 2027.
A formal letter is also being sent to members of the NSW Parliament, including representatives of regional and rural communities, calling for a substantial extension to the implementation timeframe. This correspondence is supported by an existing collection of signatures from concerned local farmers and producers. The signatures gathered through this online petition will be added to that existing representation, further demonstrating the strength of feeling and widespread concern within the farming community.
We are calling on the NSW Government to extend the mandatory implementation deadline to 1 January 2032, allowing a more practical and manageable transition for sheep producers.
Farmers understand the importance of livestock traceability and are not opposed to electronic identification. However, the current timeframe presents significant financial, operational and animal welfare challenges. Many producers still have substantial numbers of sheep carrying approved existing visual NLIS tags and face the prospect of bringing these animals back through the yards to be retagged.
The additional cost of tags, labour, handling and potential disruption to livestock sales and normal farm operations places an unreasonable burden on producers who have already complied with the identification requirements in place at the time.
A longer transition period would allow existing flocks to progressively move to electronic identification through normal livestock turnover, reducing unnecessary costs, handling and stress on animals.
Please sign and share this petition. Every signature will help demonstrate to the NSW Government that farmers want a practical, affordable and fair transition that recognises the realities of sheep production and protects the interests of our rural communities.
Together, we are asking the NSW Government to listen to producers and reconsider the current deadline.
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Petition created on 7 November 2026