Tagging sheep - why, what and how!

Whether you are a novice or a pro with tagging sheep you always are thinking about a better way to do it. How can I make the tags easier to read? How can I reduce stress and pain on my animal? 

The basics

For sheep the only tag necessary is an NLIS tag. This is usually the smaller tag and contains your pic number, animal farm identification number (which you choose) and details of any accreditations your farm has - for example V for OJV vaccinated. Most farmers will also add a larger (often triangle shaped) tag. This tag would have the stud or farm name and the animal number in larger font. In Victoria from January 2017 all sheep born will need to have an electronic tag - more on this to follow. To tag your sheep you also need a tag applicator and for your farm tags a tag pen (unless you get the tags etched). The NLIS tag never changes and stays with the sheep for its life - even if that animal moves farms. Alan suggests choosing an ear to insert your tags and stick with that ear. Some farms would tags the females in the right ear and males in the left.  You can remove farm tags and replace them if you like - these can be cut off.

Purchasing your tags 

This is a personal preference and the NLIS website gives a list of companies than supply tags for sheep in Australia.