A world-first smart ear tag for animals that uses satellite technology is helping farmers locate and monitor their livestock's health and activity, all while boosting biosecurity and productivity, and reducing costs.
Co-founders of CERES TAG, Melita and David Smith, strongly believe and have proven that technology and innovation can have a profound impact in agriculture.
After living and working for many years abroad, Melita and David returned to their agricultural roots in regional Queensland.
Here they drew from experience and time on the land to develop a functional tool for farmers.
Their ideas translated into exactly that—a highly useful, commercialised product that has positioned them as leaders in the global AgTech ecosystem.
Know what's going on in your field
For many livestock producers, locating and monitoring a herd's activity consumes a lot of time and money.
CERES TAG developed the world's first animal monitoring information platform that connects directly to satellite through a smart ear tag. The tag uses data collection and analytics to give producers animal-specific geospatial location information.
This helps farmers know exactly where their animals are, monitor their movements and health, mitigate stock theft and manage biosecurity in real time. All of which reduce costs and increase productivity.
AgTech tools for peace of mind
CERES TAG tackles the challenges of livestock tracking with solutions that give farmers peace of mind.
By linking animals directly to satellites without going through on-farm towers, they've enabled greater traceability and provenance of livestock.
Their product requires no additional infrastructure, no maintenance, no subscription and no battery replacements—because it lasts the lifetime of the animal.
"All the computation happens in the tag. Then producers can look at the data and make decisions before they head out into the field. It gives you peace-of-mind, save times and effort," David said.
"You can also share that data with other stakeholders like the bank or an insurance company as evidence of good animal welfare."
Real-time tracking for the real world
Edwina and Neil from Warramba Farm Retreat in New South Wales bought 8 ear tags and attached them to their highland cows.
They receive real-time data, track their animals' movements and temperature via GPS. They also get text message notifications if their herd's movement slows or they exit the property.
"It also allows us to improve pasture by monitoring where the cows spend most of their time," Edwina said.
"We were one of the first properties to trial the tags and we are thrilled."
Easy to adopt, easy to use, and fit for purpose
Melita and David's pioneering innovation has spurred incredible growth in this technology's market.
It has opened opportunities for development and new products to emerge, and has led to many partnership opportunities across the ecosystem for CERES TAG.
For example, it means they work with software suppliers who can support farmers on their journey to adopting this technology. CERES TAG offer advice and a fit for purpose platform that is easy to use, and ultimately helps farmers boost their profitability and productivity.
Contact
Email DPIAgTech@dpi.qld.gov.au
Last updated: 12 Oct 2026