A SECOND round of events showcasing ScotEID's 'state-of-the-art' system of electronic identification of cattle kicks off next week.

Between now and mid-March, there will be 15 meetings taking place in regions across Scotland to explain the new scanning system to track and monitor Scotland’s cattle herd in real time – with the aim of reducing paperwork for farmers, crofters, markets and abattoirs.

Scot EID’s Anna Robertson said: “We look forward to meeting more stakeholders during our roadshow programme. Please come along and join the discussion and find out more about future-proofing the recording process through electronic data transfer.

“Farmers appreciate that this advance in technology will reduce paperwork, reduce handling of animals which brings health and safety benefits and will protect the coveted Scotch Beef brand status.

“We’re finding sectoral and regional differences," noted Ms Robertson. "Where there is a small number of cattle or small pedigree breeds, the farmer might want to continue to read tags manually on their farm or smallholding, and that’s fine.

“In Orkney and Shetland, owing to cattle transportation by boat, we are already working on testing readers on the pier for the onward movement of cattle.

“Some dairy farms operate low frequency in parlour systems, and that throws up points for further consideration," she added. "We’re keen to hear views and comments to help deliver the best possible system to farmers.”

The dates are:

January 15 – Carfraemill Hotel, 12 noon and 7pm;

Jan 16 – Somerton House Hotel, Lockerbie, 12 noon;

Jan 22– The Green Hotel, Kinross, 7pm;

Jan 23 – Finavon Hotel, Finavon, 12 noon;

Jan 23 – The Red House Hotel, Coupar Angus, 7pm;

February 4 – Lanark Mart, 12 noon;

Feb 10 – Columbia Hotel, Oban, 7pm;

Feb 11 – Ben Nevis Hotel, Fort William, 12 noon;

Feb 24 – Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway, 7pm;

Feb 25 – The Portree Hotel, Skye, 7pm;

Feb 26 – Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula, 7pm;

March 4 – Argyll Arms Hotel, Campbeltown, 12 noon;

Mar 5 – The Machrie Hotel, Islay, 11am;

Mar 11 – Auchrannie Resort, Arran, 7pm;

Mar 12 – The Glenburn Hotel, Bute, 7pm.

To attend any of these meetings, contact the ScotEID team on 01466 794323 to allow for catering and seating arrangements.