Custom Cattle Tags Australia
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If you're looking for custom cattle tags in Australia, you've got a few decisions to make — and they're not as complicated as they look. This guide covers every type of cattle tag available, from NLIS electronic tags to visual management tags, Maxi tags, feedlot tags, and everything in between.
Whether you need tags for compliance, on-farm management, or both, we'll help you work out what fits your operation.
Types of Custom Cattle Tags
There are two broad categories: electronic NLIS tags (mandatory for movements) and visual management tags (for on-farm ID). Most producers use both.
NLIS Electronic Tags (EID)
Every beast that leaves your property needs an NLIS-accredited electronic ear tag. These contain an RFID chip with a unique 16-digit number linked to your PIC on the NLIS database.
Two types:
- Breeder tags (White) — for cattle born on your property
- Post-breeder tags (Orange) — for purchased cattle being re-tagged to your PIC
NLIS tags go in the right (offside) ear. They're scanned at saleyards, abattoirs, and receiving properties to record movements.
Visual Management Tags (Custom Printed)
Visual tags are the coloured plastic tags you read from a distance. They can be printed with whatever you need — property numbers, animal IDs, management codes, breed info, or joining group details.
Visual tags come in multiple sizes:
| Tag Size | Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | Small button | Calves, matching pairs |
| Small | Compact | Young cattle, small ears |
| Medium | Standard | General purpose |
| Large | Standard-plus | Most popular all-round size |
| Maxi | 73mm x 99mm | Large print area, stud cattle, dairy |
| Super Maxi | Extra large | Maximum print space, feedlots |
| Feedlot | One-piece | Short-term ID, live export |
Combo Sets (NLIS + Visual)
Many producers pair an NLIS electronic tag in the right ear with a custom visual tag in the left ear. This gives you both electronic compliance and easy visual identification from a distance.
Maxi Cattle Tags
The Allflex Maxi Female is one of the most popular custom cattle tags in Australia. At 73mm wide by 99mm high, it's the go-to for producers who need plenty of print space.
Why producers choose Maxi tags:
- Large surface area for multi-line printing
- High retention rate
- Easy to read from a distance
- Popular for stud cattle, dairy herds, and feedlot management
- Fits standard Allflex applicators
Maxi tags are a two-piece tag — the female (front) carries the printed face, and the male button (back) locks through the ear.
Printing options:
- Up to 3 lines of laser printing
- Pitch Black (high-contrast) printing available
- Custom numbering sequences
- Back printing available for additional info
Feedlot Cattle Tags
Feedlot tags are one-piece tags designed for short-term identification. They self-pierce — no separate male/female parts — making them fast to apply in high-volume situations.
Common uses:
- Feedlot entry identification
- Live export tagging
- Short-term management groups
- Mob identification during processing
Brands available:
- Allflex Feedlot Tag — durable one-piece, cost-effective
- FOFIA One-Piece Feedlot Tag — designed for ease of application with standard applicators
Feedlot tags are cost-effective at volume. Laser printing available as an add-on. Enquire for feedlot tag pricing.
Cattle Tag Brands Available in Australia
Allflex
The most widely used cattle tag brand in Australia. Full range of NLIS electronic, visual, and management tags in every size. Farm & Acre Co is an official Allflex supplier.
- NLIS Breeder & Post-Breeder tags
- Visual tags in all sizes (Mini through Super Maxi)
- Combo sets (EID + visual matched pair)
- TSU tissue sampling tags for genomic testing
FOFIA
FOFIA has been manufacturing livestock tags since 2002. Known for competitive pricing and the innovative battery-powered E-Tagger for high-volume operations.
- NLIS Breeder tags — competitively priced with volume discounts
- One-piece feedlot and management tags
- E-Tagger battery applicator — free with qualifying bulk orders
Leader
A well-established Australian tag brand with strong retention rates. Available through authorised resellers.
Custom Printing Options
Most cattle tags can be custom printed with your details. Here's what's available:
Laser Printing
Up to 3 lines of laser-engraved text. Cost depends on number of lines — included in your quote.
Pitch Black (High-Contrast) Printing
High-contrast option for better readability at distance. Available on most tag sizes.
Back Printing
Additional info on the reverse side — laser or ink options available. Enquire when ordering.
Cattle Tag Colours — 2026 Year Table
Custom cattle tags follow a national colour rotation system. Each year has a set colour and letter code:
| Year | Colour | Letter |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Black | T |
| 2025 | White | W |
| 2026 | Orange | X |
| 2027 | Light Green | Y |
| 2028 | Purple | Z |
| 2029 | Yellow | A |
| 2030 | Red | B |
The 2026 colour is Orange with the letter X.
How to Order Custom Cattle Tags
What you'll need:
- PIC number — your Property Identification Code (required for NLIS tags)
- Tag type — NLIS electronic, visual, combo, or feedlot
- Size — Mini through Super Maxi (Large is the most common)
- Colour — based on the year table or your preference
- Print details — what text and numbering you want
- Quantity — volume pricing kicks in at 500+ and 1,000+ tags
Pricing
Allflex NLIS tags are available from $4.85/tag. FOFIA and Leader pricing is available on enquiry — both offer competitive rates, especially at volume. Visual management tags and feedlot tags are cost-effective options for on-farm ID.
Get a FOFIA quote | Call 0431 183 421 for pricing on any tag type.
NLIS Requirements by State
Every state requires NLIS electronic tags for cattle leaving the property. Key state differences:
- Queensland — DPI consent required before purchasing NLIS tags
- Victoria — tags must be ordered through Agriculture Victoria's system for VIC PICs
- South Australia — $1.50 per tag biosecurity levy applies
- New South Wales — standard NLIS requirements
- Western Australia / Tasmania / NT — standard requirements, state rebates may apply
Order custom cattle tags from Farm & Acre Co — Allflex, FOFIA & Leader. NLIS electronic, visual management, Maxi, and feedlot tags. Bulk pricing with Australia-wide delivery from Queensland.
Browse Cattle Tags | Browse All Tags
Not sure what you need? Call 0431 183 421 or email farmandacreco@gmail.com — send through your PIC, state, and herd size and we'll sort the rest.