Sheep Ear Tag Colours in Australia

Sheep Ear Tag Colours in Australia – Breeder Tag Year Guide

In Australia, sheep are identified using NLIS-approved ear tags, which help track livestock throughout the supply chain. One of the key features of sheep breeder tags is the year-of-birth colour system, which allows farmers, saleyards, and processors to quickly identify the age group of sheep at a glance.

Understanding sheep tag colours helps ensure you remain compliant with NLIS regulations and maintain proper traceability for your livestock.

What Are Sheep Breeder Tags?

Breeder tags are used to permanently identify sheep before they leave the property where they were born.

These tags include:

The property identification code (PIC)

A unique identification number

A year-of-birth colour

Breeder tags must be applied to lambs before they move off the property of birth.

Under new regulations being introduced across Australia, sheep will increasingly require NLIS electronic identification (EID) tags before leaving their property.

Sheep Ear Tag Colours by Year

Australia uses a national year colour system for breeder tags. The colour helps farmers and livestock agents quickly estimate the age of sheep.

The colours rotate each year through a standard sequence.

Example breeder tag colours include:

2024 – Black

2025 – White

2026 – Orange

2027 – Light Green

2028 – Purple

2029 – Yellow

2030 – Red

This colour coding makes flock management easier and helps maintain clear livestock identification across the industry.

Electronic Sheep Tags (EID)

From 1 January 2025, new regulations require sheep and non-exempt goats in several Australian states to be identified using electronic NLIS tags before leaving their property of birth.

Electronic Identification (EID) tags contain a small RFID microchip that can be scanned electronically. This allows faster tracking of livestock movements and improves biosecurity across the industry.

Benefits of EID tagging include:

Faster livestock traceability

Improved disease response capability

More accurate livestock records

Better flock management

Correct Placement of Sheep Ear Tags

Sheep tags are typically applied to the right ear (offside ear) for consistency.

When tagging sheep:

Place the tag between the cartilage ribs of the ear

Avoid large blood vessels

Leave space so the ear can grow without tearing

Correct placement improves tag retention and animal welfare.

Sheep Tag Compliance

Using the correct sheep tags ensures compliance with NLIS requirements and supports Australia's livestock traceability system.

Sheep must be tagged:

Before leaving their property of birth

With the correct breeder or post-breeder tag

Linked to the correct Property Identification Code (PIC)

Need Sheep NLIS Tags?

Farm & Acre Co. supplies NLIS-compliant livestock tags and tagging equipment designed for durability and easy application.

Browse our range of livestock tags & resources here:

NLIS guide | Allflex Australia

eID sheep ear tags: One-piece EID with swivel stem, strip loading