Realising benefits from sheep eIDs

Summary

This project was undertaken to help sheep producers in Victoria move beyond using electronic identification (eID) tags solely for compliance, and instead use them to improve productivity, profitability, and decision-making. Despite the mandatory use of eID in Victoria since 2017, many producers were not realising the full benefits due to limited knowledge, confidence, and support. 

The project supported 19 core producers across 20 demonstration sites to trial eID technologies in practical, on-farm settings. Producers tested applications such as auto-drafting, weight tracking, pregnancy scanning, and genetic selection. Their experiences were captured through case studies, surveys, field days, workshops, and webinars. Pre- and post-project surveys of core producers showed a 22.4% increase in knowledge and confidence, and a 24.3% increase in practice change. Economic analysis showed an average net benefit of $13,379 per business. 

The project reached over 1,300 people through events and digital communications. Benefits to industry from adopting eID technologies include improved labour efficiency, better genetic decisions, enhanced traceability, and more consistent sale outcomes. The project also highlighted the importance of peer support, training, and starting with simple, practical applications. These findings support broader adoption of eID across the red meat industry and provide a strong foundation for future innovation and investment. 

Objectives

The project aimed to: 

• Build producer capability, confidence, and adoption of eID technology. 

• Create a community of practice to support peer learning. 

• Demonstrate practical, on-farm applications of eID for improved management. 

• Quantify the economic and operational benefits of eID use. 

These objectives were achieved through 20 producer-led demonstration sites, with 19 core producers trialling a range of eID applications. The project also supported over 77 additional producers through extension activities and peer engagement. 

Key findings

• A 22.4% increase in core producer knowledge, skills, and confidence in using eID.  
• A 24.3% increase in practice change adoption among core participants.  
• An average net benefit of $13,379 per business, with labour savings of up to $3,850/year.  
• Key applications included auto-drafting, weight tracking, pregnancy scanning, genetic selection, health records, and fleece trait monitoring.  
• Over 1,300 people were reached through in-person and digital extension activities.  
• Challenges included integrating eID with pregnancy scanning (due to contractor throughput and equipment compatibility), initial labour/time investment, and technical issues such as tag loss and software usability.  

Benefits to industry

The project demonstrated that eID technology can deliver measurable benefits to the red meat industry, including improved traceability, genetic gain, labour efficiency, and sale outcomes. It supports compliance with national livestock identification standards (NLIS) and enhances transparency across the supply chain. The findings provide a strong foundation for broader adoption of eID technologies and highlight the importance of peer learning, hands-on training, and practical, goal-driven implementation. 

MLA action

MLA continues to deliver the Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) program, supporting livestock producers working in peer-to-peer groups to pursue new skills, knowledge and management practices applicable to their own commercial livestock production systems.

Future research

To support continued adoption and industry-wide impact, the project recommends: 

• Expanding peer learning networks and producer workshops. 
• Developing user-friendly, scalable eID systems and training resources. 
• Encouraging integration of processor feedback with eID data. 
• Promoting national harmonisation of eID systems to reduce costs. 
• Focusing on simple, actionable applications that align with producer goals. 
• Supporting further research into long-term economic and productivity impacts of eID adoption.