PDS Kingaroy - Demonstrating the on-property management benefits of using the National Livestock Identification Scheme. (NLIS)

Summary

Nineteen members of the Kingaroy Beef Plan group investigated the practical use of NLIS technology for their business management. Activities included participants investigating the use of electronic weighing and recording equipment, key profit driver analyses and visits to a saleyard and export abattoir. Three products were assessed and a system chosen for lease on 6 participating properties. Participants found the equipment was accurate and easy to use. All producers initially experienced frustrations in collection and downloading of data. These problems were resolved with regular use. The group found that it was imperative to engage a company representative to install the equipment and troubleshoot initial problems. This group represented cattle owners with herds from 50 to 400 head. The economics of the technology for such operations was found to be questionable. For most of the participants a set of scales and a manual data entry would suffice, except for stud operators and producers with more demanding data collection requirements. The PDS was a valuable learning experience in the use of technology and its role in ensuring market integrity. 6 members of the group will now be using the technology on a regular basis with other members using some aspects of the technology.