Free workshops to up-skill NAIT users

Media release
9 April 2015

Free workshops to up-skill NAIT users

Farmers are being encouraged to get along to a series of workshops on how to use OSPRI’s National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) programme.

The workshops have been tailored to beef, deer and lifestyle farmers, and will provide a hands-on, interactive two-hour experience using NAIT’s online system.

OSPRI Acting Chief Executive Stu Hutchings said the workshops aim to help new users of the NAIT system and those needing a refresher course. The feedback to date from farmers who have attended a workshop has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The NAIT programme is critical to biosecurity and market access. To be effective, we need all cattle and deer tagged and registered with NAIT as well as up to date data on their location and movements,” said Dr Hutchings.

You only need a computer and internet access to complete all of your NAIT actions. The workshops provide people with a guided tour on how to register animals, record the sending and receiving of stock and update animal details in NAIT’s online system.

“Accurate NAIT data can be used to contain potential animal diseases, provide food safety assurance to international and domestic markets and add value to farming businesses,” said Dr Hutchings.

“Being able to trace animal movements on and off farm is already proving invaluable when it comes to containing bovine tuberculosis herd infections and identifying the source of the disease.”

The workshops give farmers a forum to ask questions before 1 July 2015, when all cattle must be tagged and registered in the NAIT database, including animals born before NAIT became mandatory in 2012.

Those attending a workshop will receive a handy set of instructions to keep at home, so they can continue to meet their NAIT requirements.

“As long as their NAIT information is up to date, farmers can use the system to keep track of stock they’ve received or sent away. For example, an increasing number of absentee owners are using NAIT to remotely monitor stock going onto their farm,” said Dr Hutchings.

Forty-two workshops have been scheduled nationwide. Each workshop is limited to 20 people to cater for the needs and questions of all participants. To register, visit www.nait.co.nz/events or call 0800 624 843.

“We’re keen to ensure that everyone gets a chance to attend a workshop. If a farmer finds there is no workshop nearby, they should contact us and we’ll find a way to help,” said Dr Hutchings.

OSPRI helps protect and enhance the reputation of New Zealand’s primary industries. It currently runs the NAIT and TBfree programmes.

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