Ear tag colour codes - Purple for 2012

"The ability to trace livestock from property of birth to slaughter is crucial to the safety of red meat.
The Australian red meat industry has implemented a national system to ensure the quality and safety of beef, lamb, sheepmeat and goatmeat.

The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia's system for identification and traceability of livestock. It was introduced in 1999 to meet European Union requirements for cattle exports. Since then it has expanded to enable cattle, sheep and goats to be traced from property of birth to slaughter for:

• Biosecurity
• Meat safety
• Product integrity
• Market access

NLIS is endorsed by major producer, feedlot, agent, saleyard and processor bodies. In addition to this it is underpinned by State/Territory legislation, which forms the regulatory framework for the system.
NLIS Ltd operates the central NLIS Database on which the livestock movements must be recorded. "

From www.mla.com.au

Naturally I am as interested in the colour sequence as I am in biosecurity. Is there any significance to the colour order? Not that I can tell or find out from anywhere. It is a clever system though and makes identification easier when drafting out the oldest sheep. Also I was taught that ewes are tagged in the right ear and rams in the left....because 'women are always right'. Boom tish!!