Electronic identification (EID) affects every single sheep farmer in the UK

Find out how easy it can be to comply with new EID legislation

However, a lack of clarity about EID compliance requirements and the options available to manage flock data can lead to expensive and wasteful investments in equipment.

So what is EID?

EID is a method of livestock identification using a microchipped tag which transmits a unique identification code. These tags can then be read using suitable equipment.

Is it mandatory to comply with EID legislation?

All sheep kept for over 12 months for breeding purposes must be double EID tagged.

Sheep born or identified after 31 December 2009 and intended for slaughter within 12 months of birth are identified with a single slaughter tag and recorded in batches - depending on where you are the UK.

  How does electronic
  tagging work?
  Find out more

The rules vary as to whether or not these must be EID batch tags.

Also, any keeper believed to be breaking the rules may be penalised, with fines of up to £5,000 for each animal. In the worst cases, a court can also give the keeper a prison sentence.

Important!

If you have a large number of farm-to-farm movements that have to be recorded, or if there are no practical options available for central point recording, then an electronic tag reader could make recording the movements much easier.

Managing your flock data is easier than you think

There are several ways to go about managing your flock data. But it’s important to settle on the best way for your farm – both in terms of resource as well as cost.

Which method is best for you?

You can either record your data manually and store records in a paper format, or keep records of your flock data on a computer.

Recording and storing data in a paper format can be unsuitable for sheep farms with large volumes of sheep or movements. There is greater potential for human errorwhich could result in inaccuracy of records. Inaccurate records could leave the farm open to penalisation due to breach of legislation.

Using flock management software to record and manage your data electronically can allow you to:

Automatically generate a copy of the Flock Register
Automatically generate reports that show movements and deaths of sheep
Produce an Animal Movement Licence Form (AML1 Form) for individual sheep
Produce batch movement documents for animals being sent to slaughter in a batch

Managing your flock electronically is not expensive

To record and manage flock data electronically, the basic elements of an EID system include:

An appropriate EID tag
A reader to record the information:
There are several kinds of readers available varying from handheld stick-readers to fully integrated reading, weighing and shedding systems with a static/panel reader.
A computer and software to manage the recorded information:
Good, easy-to-use flock management software will help you keep accurate records as well as enable you to generate movement and identification sheep reports. Access to training and support is also an important element to consider when choosing the right software.

  Using Flock Manager
   from Farmplan to
   comply with EID laws
  Find out more

If you already use a PC and/or an EID reader, all you will need is the addition of a computer program (such as Flock Manager from Farmplan) to manage the information you have recorded.