SOME people whose opinions I respect a lot in the livestock sector say it is only a matter of time before electronic identification tags become commonplace.
The technology has a lot of potential benefits. But, as with any new scheme - particularly those that require buy-in from an industry with a multitude of other costs in the budget - take up will be mixed for some time.
SA's sheep industry is worth $668 million a year at farm gate- according to PIRSA's, so investment is worth it.
In Vic, the government has shown there is potential to bring the industry together on the issue for good adoption. But it involves a will from leaders.
We can learn from the Vic experience but it does need to be a national plan to be truly successful.
RELATED READING:
And speaking of industry leaders, the Queen's birthday long weekend always brings with it the honours list - and across the country there were several worthy recipients from the agricultural industry.
While my scroll of the - lengthy - list didn't unearth any SA takers this time, it did get me thinking about how many amazing people there are still in this state deserving of recognition.
I'm sure you can think of a few too. We just need to remember these names next time the nomination period comes around for Australia Day.
RELATED READING:
Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
