A large number of cattle found to have survived the great floods have no tags or markings to indicate an owner and as murky waters recede the problem of re-homing these stoic creatures has exposed a compliance problem within the national livestock identification system.
In many cases cattle were true clean-skins, with no tag let alone ear mark or brand.
"We found the same during the bushfires," Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (Casino) manager Brad Willis said.
Also read: 6000 top weaners hit the market | Photos
"There is no law to say that cattle remaining on their property of origin need a tag, but never-the-less this flood event has exposed a big issue with transactions taking place outside of the saleyards without being updated on the NLIS system, particularly on-line sales."
Digital platforms typically point out to clients that NLIS transfers can be done for an additional charge. There is no enforcement of non-tagged cattle during sales as always it is the buyer's responsibility to transfer purchased animals onto their property identification code in the NLIS database.
As with cleanskins found after the fires, there have been cases of duffing cattle through the digital marketplace with the NSW Rural Crime Squad investigating.
From a biosecurity point of view, traceability of cattle movement is important to all producers and is one reason why Local Lands Services invests resources to promote the system.
"There are lots of issues needing attention," Mr Willis said.
"The NLIS system needs a serious overhaul. The system in theory is excellent but compliance with that system is terrible."
Mr Willis advocates for open and transparent transactions for the benefit of all producers when it comes to consumer brand awareness.
At the Casino saleyards, where found cattle are being fed and cared for, there have been 1500 head processed so far. Many were brought-in by vendors in their own trucks after finding them on their property. Those with tags were sent home straight away.
"Of the 200 head still reported as missing, I would say 99 per cent do not have an ear tag," he said.
With cattle so pricey at the moment - $35 million went through the NRLX during March, while financial year 2021-2022 looks to gross $200m, up 71pc from $143m last year - there is little wonder cattle duffers have been caught in the net that includes re-homing flood cattle.
"We don't have the legal teeth required to fix this problem," Mr Willis said.
It is up to the LLS and DPI and Rural Crime to solve this but unfortunately we don't have the numbers of enforcement officers and support for this area and yet there's a real need for that considering the value of cattle right here.
"NLIS transaction compliance is very loose for an industry worth so much," he said. "We need to do better."
Mr Willis recommends two ear tags for every producer affected by flood, and to insert them at six months of age.
"Doing that would go a long way to helping relocate cattle after these natural disasters."
Want daily news highlights delivered to your inbox? Sign up to the Queensland Country Life newsletter below.