Scotland - Sheep Tagging

The Scottish Government has issued a press release that provides a useful update on the state of play.

Key points are:

• Tagging regulations came into force on 1 Jan 10, but no immediate action is required
• Regulations apply to lambs born after 31 Dec 09
• Support to be available of up to £1000 per farm for the purchase of electronic reading equipment
• A £3 million research pilot is being set up to find the best solutions for implementing the rules in Scotland
• Failure to comply with the new rules is not an option - farmers would lose 15-50% of their Single Farm Payments

Will this scheme be all pain or will there be some benefits to come out of it in the form of useful management information?