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
Eichacker Simmentals & JK Angus
Leland Red Angus & Koester Red Angus
U2 Ranch
Four Hill Farm North Country Angus Alliance
Jorgensen Land & Cattle Motherlode Sale
Jorgensen Land & Cattle, Legends Of The Fall Bull Sale
FEATURING
Justin Tupper
President, US Cattlemen’s Association
Travis Wulf
Clear Springs Cattle Company
https://www.bredforbalance.com/
Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial
Mark Vanzee
Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time
https://www.livestockmarket.com/
Shaye Koester
Casual Cattle Conversation
https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/
Questions & Concerns From The Field?
Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420
Or email [email protected]
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References
https://www.livestockmarket.com/
https://www.imogeneingredients.com/
https://alliedgeneticresources.com/
https://www.imiglobal.com/beef
https://axiota.com/multimin-90-product-label/
https://www.bredforbalance.com/
https://www.ruralradio147.com/
https://www.allflex.global/na/product_cat/electronic-identification/
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