Have you got your NAIT number?

To be ready, NAIT Limited urges farmers and people in charge of cattle and deer to register now for their NAIT number - do not wait until the last minute.

From July 1, people responsible for cattle will not be able to move stock unless they have registered and have a NAIT number. The same will apply for people responsible for deer when they join the scheme on March 1 next year.

The NAIT scheme will provide reliable up-to date information on individual animal locations and movements through electronic ear tags for cattle and deer, and a central database. It will strengthen NZ's biosecurity system, to assure overseas markets that a livestock disease can be quickly contained in the event of a biosecurity incident.

In registration, a NAIT number is assigned, which people in charge of cattle and deer must use for all NAIT transactions once the scheme becomes mandatory. The NAIT number is crucial as it links the person in charge of animals with the animals' location.

The NAIT number is different from your Animal Health Board (AHB) herd number. When creating a NAIT number, have your herd number handy. If you buy ear tags using a participant code, have that number handy also, as this will help link tags you have bought to your NAIT number.

Please note you need continue using your AHB herd number or dairy participant code when ordering tags.