The state's saleyards and red meat processors will be financially assisted by the state government to accelerate their uptake of electronic identification systems, with grants of up to $200,000 available.
The Technology Assistance Grants program - part of the $7.5-million Red Meat and Wool Growth Program - will provide a rebate for up to 50 per cent of costs to help those who fit the eligibility criteria to purchase and install eID infrastructure, as well as external industry advice and staff training.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said the grants were about supporting a vital industry to the SA economy to "grow and become more productive and competitive".
"By providing grants to encourage uptake of eID infrastructure in saleyards and red meat processing facilities, we believe it will help to stimulate further investment in the technology through the red meat and wool value chains," he said.
He said reliable data capture opened opportunities for improvements across the supply chain.
"The adoption of eID infrastructure in saleyards and processing facilities will improve transparency and traceability of individual animals within the value chain providing biosecurity and market access advantages," he said.
"It can also lead to increased efficiencies in saleyards and processing operations.
"Farmers using eID will be able to link the data generated by saleyards and processors to their on- farm decision making and enable them to modify their management practices to improve productivity and product quality outcomes."
The Red Meat and Wool Growth Program is focused on rebuilding and growing the state's herd and flock, improving cattle and sheep quality and productivity, improving on-farm decision making and enhancing biosecurity, while also helping regional areas of SA become more prosperous.
Mr Whetstone said individual animal identification had driven improvements for cattle and could achieve the same for sheep.
"Recent research from Meat & Livestock Australia highlighted every dollar invested in eID to improve breeding and selection decisions in Merino and crossbred sheep operations delivers producers up to a $4.12 return," he said.
Applications for the grant close on June 13 at 5pm.
- Details: pir.sa.gov.au/redmeatandwool
