NLIS workshops next month

THE Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is holding a series of workshops across Victoria to highlight the benefits and responsibilities of the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS).
DPI meat and wool sub-project manager Kellyanne Semple said NLIS electronically identified cattle with ear tags or boluses which allowed the performance of individual animals to be monitored on-farm from conception to departure.
“Since 1 July 2005 it has been a requirement to notify the NLIS database of property to property movements, for example farm to farm/farm to feedlot, with the legal responsibility of the notification resting with the receiving part,” she said.
The workshop caters for all computer skill levels and provides farmers with information regarding the Government’s recent funding announcement designed to assist NLIS development in the cattle industry.
“Beef producers and dairy farmers with 50 or more adult cattle on their property from 1 July 2005 can apply for a grant equivalent of 50 per cent of the purchase price of NLIS scanning and associated software up to a maximum of $500,” Ms Semple said.
Registrations are essential for workshops as numbers are limited to 15 participants per workshop. Pakenham workshops are on 21 March from 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm. RSVP by 17 March.
The Warragul/Ellinbank workshops are on 8 March from 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm. RSVP by 1 March. In Leongatha, the workshops will be on 20 March from 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm. RSVP by 17 March. To register for any of the above workshops, contact Fiona Baker at DPI Ellinbank on 5624 2234 or email fiona.baker@dpi.vic.gov.au