Victoria’s livestock producers will continue to benefit from the lowest priced National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) ear tags in Australia, following
the outcome of a recent competitive tender process.
According to Agriculture Victoria, the process has secured prices equal to or lower than
last year, helping to keep on-farm costs down while maintaining
the state’s strong livestock
traceability standards.
Agriculture Victoria biosecurity executive director Charlotte Austin said Victorian producers remain well supported through the pricing structure.
“Victorian producers continue to access NLIS tags at some of the nation’s lowest prices, keeping on-farm costs down and upholding our world-class traceability reputation,” Ms Austin said.
The cheapest NLIS cattle tag is now available for 72 cents when ordered online through Agriculture Victoria, down from 75 cents last year. In comparison, cattle producers in other states can pay between $2.50 and $4.00 per tag.
The range of approved cattle tags has also expanded, including a one-piece metal tag from Shearwell Australia, along with tags manufactured by Enduro Tags and FOFIA.
Sheep producers will also see savings, with the cheapest NLIS sheep tag priced at $1, significantly lower than unsubsidised prices in other parts of Australia.
Ms Austin said the tender process secured strong wholesale pricing, supported by subsidies from Victoria’s livestock compensation funds, delivering considerable savings for producers.
More than two million cattle tags and 10 million sheep tags are expected to be purchased in Victoria during 2026.
Electronic NLIS tags allow livestock movements to be recorded on the national database as animals move between properties, saleyards and abattoirs.
“This system allows livestock to be traced quickly and efficiently during food safety or disease
incidents, helping protect Victoria’s domestic industry and maintain access to export markets,” Ms Austin said.
Victoria was a leader in establishing the NLIS, introducing the system for cattle in the 1990s, with the sheep and goat system becoming mandatory in 2017.
Ms Austin said the state’s l
ivestock industries should be proud of their long-standing contribution to the development and operation of Australia’s
internationally recognised traceability system.
Producers can order NLIS tags online through the Agriculture Victoria website.
