Industry-first: Sheep Producers Australia now selling eID tags online

Australian sheep producers can now buy electronic identification (eID) tags directly online through Sheep Producers Australia — in an industry-first initiative designed to cut costs, improve access, and reinvest in the future of the sector.

Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) Chair Bindi Murray said the platform was developed to make traceability reforms simpler and more affordable for producers, while ensuring any profits are directed back into industry support, including advocacy, biosecurity, and producer development programs.

“Research commissioned two years ago showed producers wanted more control over ordering and better tag pricing,” Ms Murray said. “We’ve responded by offering a simple, cost-effective online option that supports the people who matter most — producers at the farmgate.”

From January 1, 2025, eID became mandatory for all sheep and goats in Australia. SPA led national efforts to deliver a consistent traceability system and is now providing practical tools to help producers implement it.

In partnership with Leader Products, producers can register via the SPA website and order tags online, with orders typically dispatched within three business days. Leader is an Australian-owned company with proven online ordering and fulfilment systems tailored to livestock identification.

“Only a small percentage of sheep tags are purchased online at the moment, compared to almost half of cattle tags” Ms Murray said. “That gap shows the opportunity — by offering producers a digital channel, we’re creating a more resilient, flexible system ready for future demand.”

This marks SPA’s first commercial partnership to sell products directly to producers.

“It’s a new model for the Australian sheep industry, used successfully in other countries and grounded in the same principle that’s always guided us — delivering real value to producers,” Ms Murray said. “If there are any profits, they’ll be reinvested into the sheep industry — including vital work in advocacy, biosecurity, and supporting future leaders through mentoring and development opportunities.”

eID tags can be purchased through https://www.sheepproducers.com.au/mob-mate

*Victorian producers must purchase tags through Ag Vic and can’t purchase tags through SPA.

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Media queries:

Simone Smith 0455999130

media@sheepproducers.com.au