NEW ZEALAND-NEW CATTLE EAR TAGS.
AN innovative new RFID Visual tag designed by New Zealand-owned Zee Tags makes upgrading to RFID more affordable for farmers.
John Ritchie, national sales manager Zee Tags said: "Compliance cost is always an issue for farmers so Zee Tags wanted to come up with a way of making RFID more useful, efficient and affordable – this RFID Visual tag is the answer."
Despite the new NAIT scheme remaining under review there are many farmers already using RFID to assist them in their operations.
James Brownlie, of Nga-Tuhoe Trust Station at Ruakituri near Gisborne, introduced RFID to their operation about two years ago. RFID has brought big benefits to the 545ha property, streamlining some of the day-to-day operations such as weighting, treatment recording and drafting. The property runs around 3000 ewes and up to 800 cattle, so with only one other staff member, efficiency is important.
Nga-Tuhoe runs a herd of South Devon-based breeding cows. Replacements are selected from the calves and raised on the property. Male offspring are included into the bull beef operation along with bought-in dairy bull calves.
This season Mr Brownlie has trailed the RFID Visual tags in their cattle operation. "These new RFID tags are brilliant – one tag gives me both their electronic tag and an easy-to-read visual tag for when the animals are out in the paddock – and the cost is much less than using an RFID button and visual tags separately.
Normally matching the RFID tag with its correct visual tag requires a slow and careful process. Mr Brownlie said this was where the tags made a big difference: "You can’t get things mixed up because it’s all one tag so it’s nice and simple."
He also liked the fact that they were soft and flexible, meaning they don’t snag, so retention is maximised.
According to Mr Ritchie, upgrading to RFID is very affordable and efficient with the RFID Visual tag. For example if you plan to use a double large tag this season you can upgrade a to a RFID Visual (FDX) tag for around 80 cents plus GST extra. If you’d usually use a XL or maxi size tag you’ll save even more – in fact the upgrade cost can be as little as 35 cents.
Zee Tags RFID Visual Tag is available through tag retailers and can be viewed at National Fieldays site D17. Phone John Ritchie 0800 493 382 or visit www.zeetags.co.nz for details.
