The previously deferred national animal identification and tracing scheme, or NAIT, will now go live for cattle on July 1, 2012.

The controversial mandatory tracing scheme which links people, property and stock, had been due to begin in November, but the forthcoming General Election means that backing legislation could not be completed in time.

But NAIT chief executive, Russell Burnard, says broad political support for the scheme means a Bill approving the new dates will be passed after this year’s election.

Mr Burnard says Nait’s message to farmers is keep tagging your animals with NAIT-approved RFID tags.

He says farmers should tag their animals while they are young and easier to handle, to prepare for the NAIT scheme next year and to avoid double-handling or re-tagging costs.

While cattle join NAIT on the first of July 2012, deer join the scheme on March 1, 2013.

NAIT says it will be sending all cattle and deer farmers further information about the scheme and their responsibilities in October.

The information will also give farmers details about public consultation planned for October this year on proposed tag and slaughter levies.