Lifestylers

NAIT will be mandatory for cattle on 1 July 2012, and for deer from March 2013.

If you are responsible for cattle or deer, you will have obligations under the NAIT scheme.

Lifestylers have an important role in the success of the NAIT scheme.

You will need to:

  • tag your cattle and deer with NAIT-approved RFID ear tags - you can do this now
  • get your NAIT number by registering yourself and your farm or property with NAIT - you can do this now online, by phoning 0800 624 843 or by using a NAIT-accredited information provider (once they are approved). Ask your local livestock company, meat processor or rural services provider if they can help.
  • register your cattle and deer with NAIT - you can do this from mid-2012
  • record all off-farm movements of cattle and deer with NAIT - you can start doing this from July 2012
  • record all deaths, losses or exports of live cattle or deer with NAIT - you can start doing this from July 2012.

Once NAIT becomes mandatory:

  • any cattle you buy should have NAIT-approved RFID tags and an official secondary tag
  • you will need to record any off-farm cattle movements with NAIT, unless they are to a NAIT-accredited meat processor or a NAIT-accredited sale yard.

Get ready for NAIT before it is mandatory

You are currently able to buy NAIT-approved RFID ear tags from your usual rural services supplier.

For calves born from now on, you can use a NAIT-approved RFID ear tag as the primary tag for all off-farm animal movements, other than to slaughter.

For existing stock, you can currently use a NAIT-approved RFID ear tag as an optional primary tag for animals of all ages to ensure you are compliant when the NAIT scheme becomes mandatory in July 2012. An approved secondary tag is also required.

For direct to slaughter movements for all stock until 1 July 2012, either an AHB-approved (barcode) ear tag or a NAIT-approved RFID ear tag is required. Alternatively, a direct to slaughter tag can be used as a primary tag.