Saleyards

Key dates

Basic requirements

1. Saleyard property identification code (PIC).
2. Scanning equipment and infrastructure.
3. Saleyard NLIS database account.

Tagging

All sheep and farmed goats must be identified with a NLIS accredited device before arriving at the saleyard.

Sheep and farmed goats born on or after 1 January 2025 must arrive at the saleyard with an NLIS accredited eID tag. Sheep and farmed goats that were born prior to this date may arrive with either visual or eID tags or possibly one of each.

Leg banded goats

Farmed goats can be identified with an NLIS-accredited leg band or hock strap,instead of an ear tag. Any goats presented for sale with leg bands are required to have the leg bands scanned and uploaded into the NLIS database. This may be completed by scanning with a handheld reader, positioning a fixed panel reader to scan the goats' back legs or reading and recording the NLIS serial number on the exterior of eID manually.

Untagged sheep and goats

Any sheep or goat that arrives without a device must be fitted with an appropriate NLIS accredited saleyard pink post-breeder device before being offered for sale. Untagged sheep and goats born after 1 January 2025 will require an eID saleyard post-breeder device. The saleyard post-breeder device must be linked back to the sale and the PIC of consignment.

Recording movement

All sheep and farmed goats moving to a saleyard must be accompanied with a movement document and sheep also require a National Sheep Health Declaration. The most commonly used movement documents are the National Vendor Declaration (NVD) or eNVD. This includes livestock arriving from interstate.

Consignments arriving without the correct movement documents cannot be offered for sale until this has been resolved.

Post sale summaries

A post-sale summary for sheep and farmed goats moving from the saleyard to a processing facility or a feedlot can be supplied instead of copies of all the movement documents provided by the vendors for all purchases. Post sale summaries can be provided via the transporter or sent electronically to the buyer.

Saleyards that act as a transit centre or assembly point

Electronically identified sheep and farmed goats that are unloaded at a saleyard for a short period whilst in transit must be scanned and recorded on the NLIS database as a 'sighted' movement.

Sighted movement requires:

• NLIS or RFID tag number for each animal
• date of arrival
• saleyard PIC.

Reporting to the NLIS database

From 1 July 2025, all electronically identified sheep and farmed goats that arrive at the saleyard must have their eID scanned and the information uploaded to the NLIS database.

Movements of visually identified sheep and goats born prior to this date must continue to be uploaded to the NLIS database as a mob-based movement.

Saleyards that have the eID equipment and systems in place prior to 1 July 2025 are encouraged to scan and record eID sheep and farmed goat movements on a voluntary basis. This will help refine and streamline scanning systems before mandatory scanning commences.

It is the responsibility of the saleyard operator to record all movements of sheep and farmed goats to the saleyard on the NLIS database, including deceased animals and animals not sold on the day. If the sheep and goats sold are destined for an abattoir the NLIS database must be notified of the movement by the end of the sale day.

To use the NLIS database, saleyards must have a saleyard NLIS account. To register for a saleyard account, visit the NLIS website.

The following information must be recorded on the NLIS database for each eID consignment:

• PIC of the place of origin
• Date of sale/transaction
• NLIS or RFID tag number for each animal
• serial number of the movement document
• PIC of the place of destination
• EUSY number (saleyard ID).

Support

Equipment and infrastructure rebate

The Government of South Australia will support 75% of the cost of essential infrastructure required by saleyards and processors for implementing eID across the supply chain.

See Sheep and Goat eID Implementation Essential Equipment and Infrastructure Rebate (saleyards and processors) for eligibility and application guidelines.