Buying and selling
28. What happens when I buy sheep privately?
When you buy sheep privately from another producer, or even through an agent from another producer, you must ask that they arrive correctly identified with the vendor’s tags and with an NVD/waybill. You (as a buyer/receiver) are responsible for recording the movement of the sheep on to your property on the NLIS database within 48 hours of the sheep arriving on your property. You do not have to physically do it yourself, but you must make sure that it has been done. Always confirm that a movement record has been made for you by asking for the “Upload ID” receipt number.
If you do it for someone else, always provide them with the Upload ID receipt. Writing the Upload ID on the relevant waybill the sheep came with is a good way to remember if it has been done.
29. What happens if a consignment arrives at a saleyard without an NVD/waybill?
The person responsible for dispatching the sheep without a correctly completed waybill has committed an offence under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Identification and Movement of Stock and Apiaries) Regulations 2013 for failing to provide a waybill. The sheep will not be sold.
Very few buyers would bid on stock without an NVD/waybill because they need to know of any exposure to health treatments, chemicals and feed stuffs. If they are purchased, they are most likely to be downgraded. They will not be purchased by butchers, abattoirs or export buyers. Savvy producers would not purchase them either.
30. What do I have to do when I buy sheep from another producer, but through an agent?
If you purchase from a producer through an agent and not via auction, you are responsible for recording the movement of the sheep to you property on the NLIS database within 48 hours of the sheep arriving on your property. You do not have to physically do it yourself, but you must make sure that someone has done it. Always confirm that a movement record has been made for you by asking for the “Upload ID” receipt number. If you do it for someone else, always provide them with the Upload ID.
Writing the Upload ID on the relevant waybill the sheep came with is a good way to remember if it has been done. You must also ask that they arrive correctly identified with an earmark and the vendor’s branded tags and with an NVD/waybill.
If you purchase through a public auction – at a saleyard, clearing sale, on-farm ram sale etc – the agents running the sale will record the sheep you purchase against your PIC on the NLIS database.
31. Do I have to provide my PIC when I buy sheep at a saleyard or from a stock agent?
Yes, legislation requires all purchasers of sheep to provide the PIC of the property where they intend to keep the sheep, including sheep destined for slaughter at an abattoir or pet food processor.
32. What happens to stray or missing sheep?
If sheep stray or wander off, it will be easy to reunite them with their owners if they are tagged and earmarked. If they are not tagged, chances of finding your sheep diminish. Tag sheep on arrival. Tagging also helps if someone else’s sheep stray into your paddock – you can sort them our easily.