New Allflex® sheep tag and applicators a ‘big improvement’ for Catlins operation
South Otago farmers Jen and Stu Affleck were hugely impressed with the performance of the new Allflex RapIDmatic Evo® applicator and RapID Evo™ tags when they tested them on several thousand lambs at weaning last year.
They were part of a small group of farmers invited by Allflex® to test and provide feedback on the new generation applicator and tag before the nationwide launch just ahead of Fieldays 2025.
The Afflecks were early converts to the value of electronic identification (EID) tags for their large ewe flock farmed at Long Point, their 1270ha property which runs along 15km of the Catlins’ coastline.
The farm winters about 11,000 stock units, including an Angus and Angus-cross cow herd plus 7000-8000 ewes bred on Headwaters genetics.
The unforgiving Catlins region is renowned for its chilling winds and long winters, but the Afflecks aim to slaughter up to 10,000 lambs each year through the Headwaters Lumina premium lamb programme.
To supply the Lumina programme, lambs must graze a special mix of chicory and clover for at least 35 days. Monitoring weights in all the lines of lambs entering the finishing paddocks on different dates would be impossible without them being tagged with Allflex RapID Evo tags they say.
The tags provide the pool of traceable data required for all lambs entering the Lumina programme run in partnership with meat processor-exporter Alliance Group.
After using earlier versions of the RapIDmatic Evo applicators in previous years, the Afflecks say the latest version is significantly better.
“The new trigger mechanism is a big improvement. It’s just easier to operate and the smooth action means there is no jamming when the next tag feeds into the applicator,” Stu says.
They use a conveyor to tag, drench and weigh all their lambs at weaning.
“The conveyor is moving quite fast so we have two people tagging. Having a fool-proof applicator makes the job so much quicker and easier to handle.”
“As each roll of 20 tags runs out, the tagger just rolls another pack into the applicator and they are back in action again,” he says.
The improved design of the Allflex RapID Evo tags is also welcomed by the Afflecks.
“The pin is now capped on the RapID Evo tags, so they don’t catch on anything.”
Retention is extremely good provided the operator places the tag in the right position in the ear of the lamb.
The Afflecks are also impressed by the willingness of the Allflex team to listen to the feedback on the earlier model of their RapIDmatic Evo applicator.
“There were some issues, like jamming, with the old applicator, but Allflex didn’t shy away from it.”
“Their new applicator is awesome, a big improvement on the previous version,” Stu says.
“We listened to our farmers and set about developing a tag that had increased reliability, durability, and retention,” he says.
“The new tamper proof cap on our tags significantly improves their retention and reduces any risk of over application, so shearers and farm staff will appreciate the tip of the bayonet on the tag won’t catch on them when they are handling sheep on farm,” he says.
The new RapID Evo tags have a high-quality transponder built into the stem to maximise eID read distance and the tags are available in strips of 20 in a range of colours, printed in both alpha and numeric options.
The new RapIDmatic Evo multi-shot applicator features a larger internal barrel with an improved tag feeder and guide for easier loading of tags and less jamming.
“The cutting mechanism that separates each tag has been improved for increased reliability of tag application and we’ve added new shock absorbing handles on the applicator to reduce the jarring effect for users as well.”
For more information, call Chris Jennings on 027 627 0323 or email him at christopher.jennings@msd.com
Allflex Sheep Leads
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Allflex NZ partners with other rural leaders to jointly drive innovation, quality and service to farmers and other stakeholders across the industry. By working closely with the rural product and service providers in a range of complementary fields, we provide the best and most complete solutions to safeguard animal health and wellbeing and empower farmers’ operations and success.