FAQ

None. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification while EID stands for Electronic Identification. Both terms are used widely, but some people tend to use EID to refer to the unique ID number of the animal and RFID to refer to the technology.

A tag bucket file is a text file that we can email to you for the EID tags you've bought from us. It links the unique number programmed into each electronic tag to the number printed on the tag. This allows devices like stick readers and weigh scales to display the same text as is printed on the animal's tag when its ear tag is read electronically. The format is usual CSV. This just means that each value is separated from the next by a comma (comma separated variables). You can open the file in a text editor or in a spreadsheet application as well as using it to configure your stick reader or weigh scales.
Below is an example of a tag bucket file containing 4 tags. This file is for management tags so the NLSID column is empty.

 

This is how it looks in a spreadsheet application:

Yes. Shearwell readers are bi-modal (reading both HDX and FDX technologies) and can detect RFID devices, including boluses, in sheep, cattle, pets and even fish.

Shearwell offers all NLIS-accredited Year-of-Birth colours for sheep and goat eID tags, following the national eight-year rotation used across Australia. These colours make it easy to identify the year animals were born and ensure compliance with NLIS requirements.

Table D2: Year of Birth Colour System for sheep and goats

Year	Tag colour	Year	Tag colour
Any year	Post-breeder tags must be pink
2013	Yellow	2021	Yellow
2014	Red	2022	Red
2015	Sky blue	2023	Sky blue
2016	Black	2024	Black
2017	White	2025	White
2018	Orange	2026	Orange
2019	Light green	2027	Light green
2020	Purple	2028	Purple

 

In addition to NLIS colours, Shearwell also supplies a wide range of management colours across our SET, BOS and visual tag ranges. These are commonly used for mob identification, mating groups, classing, and general on-farm organisation.

All lambs born in Australia from 1 Jan 2025 must be eID tagged by State and Territory regulations.

The Shearwell SDL 400 Stick Reader can store up to 16,000 individual animal EIDs. This data can be downloaded to other devices via Bluetooth.

Since long before it was called ‘genetics’, livestock farmers have taken note of their best performing animals and practised selective breeding. Now the information that used to be stored in the farmer’s head or notebooks is available on computers. Electronic identification of individual sheep has empowered farmers to record increasing amounts of information about their mob so they can make better informed decisions. It has become possible to really identify which are the profitable animals, which fatten best, which show the best conformation, which ewes make the best mothers, which animals are most resilient or resistant to disease and parasites. Collecting that data consistently and turning it into useful information helps livestock farmers make better decisions and more profit.

Electronic Identification (EID) uses a microchip embedded in an ear tag to give each animal a unique digital identity. Shearwell eID tags are a great choice for meeting all Australian National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and state-based requirements and are mandatory for sheep and goats born after 1 January 2025.

Shearwell NLIS eID tags are engineered for high retention and long-term reliability across Australian sheep and goat enterprises. With correct placement and handling, they provide secure identification that supports compliance, traceability, and on-farm performance tracking.

Shearwell eID tags enable producers to:

• Comply with the mandatory eID requirements in all Australian states
• Track growth and liveweight over time
• Monitor reproduction and lamb survival
• Record treatments and health interventions
• Improve drafting accuracy
• Support selection decisions using in-flock production data and Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs)

These capabilities make flock management more precise and help improve productivity across Australian sheep and goat enterprises.

By linking individual performance data to breeding decisions, Shearwell eID tags support objective selection of rams and ewes. This results in faster, more accurate genetic progress and higher flock productivity without guesswork.

No. Producers can start with a simple setup including Shearwell eID tags, Shearwell applicators, a stick reader, and basic software or a spreadsheet. Additional equipment such as multi-tag applicators, readers and/or auto-drafters can be added over time as confidence and needs grow.

Shearwell tags are designed for high retention when applied correctly. Best practices include:

• Only use Shearwell applicators and follow placement instructions
• Dipping tags in disinfectant before application
• Maintaining clean, low-dust, low-mud handling conditions
• Minimising snag hazards such as fences, scrub or hay twine
• Tagging animals in good body condition

Retention depends on tag design, application, applicator suitability, and environmental factors. Weather, wet or muddy conditions, ear thickness, and handling environment can all affect outcomes. Producers can optimise retention by applying Shearwell eID tags carefully and managing the tagging environment effectively.

Keep tags in sealed packaging in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight - like your kitchen pantry. This ensures the nylon remains durable and flexible for smooth application.

Shearwell offers a range of applicators from single-taggers to multi-tag systems like the Turbo Tagger and the upcoming Speedy Tagger, which holds 10 tags per cartridge. These systems enable efficient marking and help maintain sequential tag numbers.

Yes. Shearwell stick and race readers are compatible with both HDX and FDX technologies, enabling them to read a wide range of sheep, goat and cattle eID tags used across Australia.

By recording individual animal data, Shearwell eID tags allow producers to monitor growth, reproduction, and health at the individual level. This improves decision-making, supports more precise drafting, and can increase productivity per hectare.

Yes. Tracking individual’s mothering ability, birth type, and lamb survival helps producers identify high-performing maternal lines and retain the most productive ewes, improving overall flock performance.

Shearwell eID tags allow all treatments and interventions to be recorded per animal. This supports targeted health management, reduces chemical use, and allows monitoring of repeated or chronic issues.

Shearwell eID systems minimise manual data entry, prevent errors, and allow auto-drafting by weight or management group. Producers save time during weighing, drafting, treatments, and compliance reporting.

Yes. Shearwell eID tags make it easy to meet NLIS requirements, vendor declarations, and biosecurity audits. Electronic records reduce paperwork, improve accuracy, and enable full traceability for Australian sheep and goat enterprises. NLIS eID tags when coupled with the NLIS database supports Australian authorities to efficiently and effectively trace individuals and groups of livestock throughout the supply chain in cases of disease management and food safety.

Tags are typically dispatched within 48 hours from the Bendigo facility once full order details and payment are received. Delivery usually takes 10 working days depending on location. During busy periods, such as peak lamb marking season, dispatch may take a little longer. Shearwell will always keep you informed and aims to send your order as quickly as possible.

Orders of 1,500 tags or more receive freight-free delivery. Smaller orders are shipped using standard Australian postal services. Urgent orders can be supported by Express Post or the customer's choice of freight options at their cost.

Shearwell has representatives in VIC, TAS, QLD, NSW, SA, and WA. You can call 1800 998 934 for technical support, product advice and or ordering. Products are also available online and through good rural retailers. For information regarding the regulations supporting the mandatory introduction of eID in sheep and goats go to your State/Territory primary industries department websites.

Visit shearwell.com.au to view the full range of eID tags, applicators, readers, and management systems, and to check current bundle offers for sheep and goat eID tags. Your local Shearwell representative is also a reliable source of information - you may choose to call or interact with them at various shows and industry events. Shearwell products can also be found at a range of rural retailers across Australia.

The Shearwell MET tag is a stainless-steel NLIS electronic identification (eID) tag for cattle. It combines durable stainless steel with an embedded HDX electronic chip, providing reliable individual identification and long-term retention in Australian farm conditions. The Shearwell MET tag holds Conditional Accreditation with Integrity Systems Company that administers the NLIS in Australia.

The MET tag is designed for Australian cattle operations and offers:

• High retention rates: Engineered to remain securely in the ear under normal farm conditions
• Durable stainless steel construction: Resistant to rust and wear, with anti-infection coating
• Embedded HDX chip: Waterproof and reliable for electronic scanning
• Laser-etched visual number: Clear, long-lasting visual identification
• Two colour options: Supports herd management and grouping

Shearwell BOS tags are high quality and durable visual management or flag tags with excellent retention rates. Producers can customise their tags with a wide range of sizes, layout and colour options. Choose your female tag and pair with your preferred male tag. The tags are suitable for use in cattle, sheep and goats.

The Shearwell Easy Squeeze applicator is designed to make tagging cattle and sheep easier, faster, and more comfortable for both the operator and the animal. Its mechanical advantage reduces the amount of hand force needed, making it ideal for producers who tag large numbers of animals or work in tougher handling environments. Key benefits include:

• Reduced hand strain: The Easy Squeeze mechanism provides extra leverage, so less effort is needed compared with standard applicators.
• Fast, smooth tagging: Designed for quick, consistent application of Shearwell BOS visual tags.
• Flip-Pin safety option: The Flip-Pin model improves safety if an animal moves suddenly, reducing the risk of the pin causing injury.
• Lightweight but strong: The aluminium body is durable, comfortable to hold, and suitable for both cattle and sheep.
• Deep jaw design: Allows easy access to both small lamb ears and larger cattle ears.

Reliable performance: Built for regular use in Australian conditions and well-suited to producers wanting dependable equipment. The Easy Squeeze applicator is a practical choice for anyone wanting accurate tag placement, operator comfort, and efficient workflow when applying Shearwell BOS tags.