We dive in the rules and regulations of USDA’s Electronic ID Tag Rule. We hear how to get some of the top Simmental and SimAngus Genetics. Plus market recaps, horses for sale and lots more on this all new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel.

EPISODE 212 DETAILS

USDA ELECTRONIC ID TAGS EXPLAINED & TOP SIMMENTAL GENETICS

USDA Electronic ID Tag Rules Explained

USDA EID Tag Rule Sparks Questions

Producers are still confused about how to use the new USDA EID Tags, where to get them, and wondering if there are enough in circulation. Justin Tupper, President of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and owner/manager of St. Onge Livestock in St. Onge, South Dakota helps explain the rules and shares his experience and thoughts on the program.

As the leading provider of EID tags and readers through the Allflex® brand, Merck Animal Health wants to support cattle producers in their decision-making with the expertise and solutions they need.

Key Distinctions With Official ID Rules

The new policy only applies to interstate movement. Other exemptions include direct-to-slaughter cattle and sexually intact cattle (and bison) under 18 months of age.

Animals that will need electronically and visually readable tags when they enter interstate movement include:

Sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months or older
All dairy cattle, including beef-on-dairy crossbred animals
Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, recreation events, shows or exhibitions

Another important detail: Visual ear tags applied before Nov. 5, 2024, will be recognized as official IDs for the life of the animal. They’ll be grandfathered in and will not need an EID.

Easing The Financial Burden

Producers and the livestock industry have raised concerns about the potential cost burden of the new tagging policies. Congress recently directed USDA-APHIS to allocate no less than $15 million for the cost of tags and related infrastructure to help offset those costs.2

Producers may be able to access EID tags for free via their state veterinarian. They can apply those tags at approved tagging sites. Producers can also buy EIDs directly from a distributor, online vendor or local dealer and apply the tags themselves.

In addition, producers are not required to invest in tag-reading hardware or software, unless they choose to do so for herd management and record keeping. The EID tags can be used the same way as visual tags.

Addressing Data Privacy Concerns

EID tags are encoded with a number that identifies the animal, but no owner-specific information. The data associated with the tags will be stored in various federal and state databases.

Access to that data will also be restricted to the state and federal officials responsible for managing high-impact diseases of the cattle industry.

USDA agnostic on EID tags

USDA isn’t mandating or recommending any one brand of ear tag. Tags must be approved by the department and will be imprinted with the Official Eartag Shield.

The Allflex radio frequency ID (RFID) tags offered by Merck Animal Health meet these standards. They use a short-read range that doesn’t interfere with radio frequencies commonly found in livestock operations. Allflex tags do not include any global positioning system (GPS) capabilities. Producers also use these RFID tags to track health protocols, performance, reproduction and genetics.

The new tagging requirements are intended to bolster the industry’s tracing capabilities in the event of a disease outbreak. Contact your Merck Animal Health representative or tag supplier to find out how Allflex tags can help you comply with these rules while managing your beef or dairy operation more efficiently.

References

National Archives. Federal Register. Rules and Regulations. Use of Electronic Identification Ear Tags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. May 9, 2024. 89(91):39540-39566. APHIS-2021-0020. 2024-09717.pdf (govinfo.gov). Retrieved May 21, 2024.
Rachael Oatman. Congress approves $15 million for EID tagging of cattle. Tri-State Livestock News. March 22, 2024. https://www.tsln.com/news/congress-approves-15-million-for-eid-tagging-of-cattle/. Retrieved May 21, 2024.

Simmental & SimAngus Genetics From Clear Springs Cattle Company

Clear Springs Cattle Company presents the Mature Cow & Red Heifer Dispersal Sale, Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the ranch in Starbuck, Minnesota. To view the catalog and see videos, click HERE.

RanchChannel.Com Now Has The Futures Markets

Futures Markets

RanchChannel.com now has futures markets at your fingertips! Feeder Cattle, Live Cattle, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Milk Class IV, and Ethanol. Information is provided by DTN and market information may be delayed by as much as 10 minutes. Click Here for more information!

UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS

Clear Springs Cattle Company: November, 20, 2024, Starbuck, MN

World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale: May 15 18, 2025

BULL SALE REPORT & RESULTS

Churchill Cattle Company

Van Newkirk Herefords

Gardiner Angus Ranch

Cow Camp Ranch

Jungels Shorthorn Farms

Ellingson Angus

Edgar Brothers Angus

Schaff Angus Valley

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh

Clear Springs Cattle Company

Gustin’s Diamond D Gelbvieh

Eichacker Simmentals & JK Angus

Windy Creek Cattle Company

Pedersen Broken Heart Ranch

Mar Mac Farms

Warner Beef Genetics

Arda Farms & Freeway Angus

Leland Red Angus & Koester Red Angus

Fast Dohrmann Strommen

Wheatland Cattle Company

U2 Ranch

Four Hill Farm North Country Angus Alliance

Spruce Hill Ranch

Wilson Angus

Jorgensen Land & Cattle Motherlode Sale

ISA Beefmasters

JYJ Red Angus

Jorgensen Land & Cattle, Legends Of The Fall Bull Sale

FEATURING

Justin Tupper

President, US Cattlemen’s Association

https://uscattlemen.org/

@uscattlemens

Travis Wulf

Clear Springs Cattle Company

https://www.bredforbalance.com/

@wulf09

Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial

https://www.stonex.com/

@StoneXGroupInc

Mark Vanzee

Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time

https://www.auctiontime.com/

https://www.livestockmarket.com/

https://www.equinemarket.com/

@LivestockMkt

@EquineMkt

@AuctionTime

Shaye Koester

Casual Cattle Conversation

https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

@cattleconvos

Questions & Concerns From The Field?

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