Innovations - NLIS

National Livestock Identification System

What is the National Livestock Identification System and why it is the most important innovation in farming to this present day?

Firstly, the National Livestock Identification System (or NLIS for short) is the ability to trace livestock from birth to slaughter. It was created to make sure that all meats whether they are lamb or beef, poultry or fish,  are of good quality and are safe to eat. 

Missy Moo with her wool bale

The NLIS enhances Australia's ability to respond quickly to a major food safety or “disease disaster” so that the situation can be dealt with quickly and easily.

 Secondly, why is the NLIS needed?

The National Livestock Identification System is needed to maintain detailed records of livestock from birth to slaughter. In the past, identification systems gave a false sense of security as farmers wrote their own livestock reports. In some cases, farmers would falsify reports  for financial gain. Clearly, much better identification systems were needed to trace livestock to keep customer confidence in the safety and legitimacy of meat.

Therefore, in 1999 the NLIS was introduced to meet requirements for cattle exports by the European Union following the outbreak of ‘Mad Cow’ disease. Australia is the world’s largest exporter of red meat and livestock and if there was a problem with the quality customer safety is vital in order for it to be brought back quickly. It has enabled the government to trace assorted livestock from birth to slaughter for bio-security, meat safety, product legitimacy and market access.

So lastly, this brings us to the question, what has been the NLIS's impact?

Environmentally -

It gives farmers an idea of where to let his livestock graze and where not to. Farmers can keep their animals in a controlled area, so that the surrounding environment is not impacted in a negative way.  

The drafting stages of painting

Economically –

The National Livestock Identification System brings in money as consumers would prefer to buy Australian meat as they can trust that the meat is safe. This is mainly due to the farmers having used the NLIS. As the domestic market is the largest market for Australian beef and sheep, this definitely helps Australia.

Globally -

It has given more opportunity to increase trade with other countries. It allows farmers around the world to concentrate on the animals more and the paperwork less.

(Courtesy of MLAfeedbackTV)

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