Tracking system gets pushed back

Delays to the NAIT scheme will be welcomed by some as they worry the costs of the system, could outweigh the benefits.

However others, keen to embrace this technology to enhance the information flow of their flocks and herds, should carry on and tag, and utilise this opportunity to make improvements to management.

The Feds are using this chance to lobby for speedier broadband roll-out in rural areas, and there is no doubt both are important to capitalise on the benefits.

Get into it farmers, it will happen, and the sooner it is embraced the earlier a positive spin off can be realised.

A controversial scheme that requires farmers to tag and trace cattle from November has been pushed back to mid to late next year reports Stuff. Agriculture and Forestry Ministry deputy director-general Peter Thomson said delaying the launch of the National Animal Identification and Tracing (Nait) scheme would give Parliament time to pass the necessary legislation and would ensure the computer system supporting the scheme was ready.

Federated Farmers spokesman Lachlan McKenzie said the delay presented an opportunity to improve the scheme and better synchronise Nait with the roll-out of broadband in rural areas – which was critical if farmers were to use the system.

"Since Government is clear that it wants compulsion, then we need a system that will generate real value to farmers. It should be about improving the farmer's bottom line by demonstrating real productive value inside the farm gate."

Mr Thomson said Nait would be mandatory in 2012 and encouraged farmers to continue tagging new cattle with approved ear tags to avoid having to retag them next year.The scheme, which will later include deer, is expected to cost about $15.7 million to set up and $6m to operate annually, and provide about $38m in benefits a year.