Electronic Identification in Today’s Cattle Landscape

Livestock identification, in some way, shape or form, is a practice nearly as old as animal husbandry itself. The methods have certainly changed over time, but the purpose is largely the same: trying to maintain both accurate and efficient animal identification for management and protection purposes.
One of the biggest changes to this tradition is the use (and debate) of electronic identification(EID) and radio- frequency identification (RFID). From easing cattle processing through on-farm headlocks to streamlining sorting as animals unload at stockyards, EID technology has brought a new level of precision and convenience.
Perhaps most importantly, these unique identifiers make it possible to trace individual animals across systems, including through breed associations and civil authorities, ensuring consistent data and improving overall herd management.
Why Electronic Identification?
Electronic identification enables animals to be tracked, but it also is as easy as the wave of a wand (literally) to pull up information on your phone, tablet, or computer.
While animal traceability has long been a hot-button issue in the livestock industry, the benefit of these IDs in limiting the impact of disease outbreaks and preserving access to foreign markets has helped shift the conversation. It’s no longer seen strictly as government overreach, but rather as a tool with practical value. As Peggy Hall, Attorney and Director of the Agricultural & Resource Law Program, explained in her 2024 Ohio State Extension article New Rule and Legislation on Electronic Ear Tags for Cattle: A Continuing Battle, the tide is turning.
Of course, these tags do more than just track animals within or between herds—they can help identify where an animal came from if disease does rear its ugly head.
The tags are verified by accredited veterinarians, who also help maintain records. In some states, like Ohio, “tag application records must be kept by the accredited veterinarian or clinic to ensure timely retrieval of information in the event of a disease event.”
Before YouTag
Both EID and RFID tags may require some background work before you can get your hands on them.
First, your farm needs a Premise ID Number (PIN), which is obtained by submitting an application through your state’s Department of Agriculture. Once you’ve got your PIN, that’s what you’ll use when it comes time to purchase your RFID tags.
With the latest updates that rolled out in Fall 2024, the acceptable forms of ID are now typically white or yellow and must be electronic. These tags are most commonly in a button-style form that fits right into the ear. RFID tags are especially important for animals crossing state lines.
Conversations and Controversies
While EID has its benefits by way of traceability and disease management, many producers and industry stakeholders remain wary due to the costs, privacy implications, and broader industry dynamics tied to the mandate.
Representative Harriet Hageman has been a vocal critic, highlighting that the USDA estimates the rule will cost producers an additional $26.1 million annually. She argues this figure underestimates the true burden, as it doesn’t account for the expenses of readers, software, labor, and ongoing system maintenance.
Hageman also raises concerns about data privacy, noting t hat the requirement for producers to maintain electronic records for five years could expose them to Freedom of Information Act requests and potential government overreach.
Groups like the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance also offer a healthy dose of skepticism. They contend that the push for mandatory EID is driven more by multinational meat packing corporations and tech companies than by genuine concerns for animal health. They argue that these entities stand to profit from selling tags, readers, and related infrastructure, all at the expense of farmers and ranchers.
Adding to the controversy, some producers question the effectiveness of the mandate in achieving comprehensive traceability. A letter signed by 46 groups pointed out that while the USDA aims for 70% traceability to effectively manage foreign disease outbreaks, the new rule is estimated to apply to only about 11% of cattle as reported by American Ag Network.
Other practical challenges have emerged. For example, veterinarians across the country have reported shortages of EID tags, leading to increased expenses and disruptions in compliance with the USDA mandate.
New Support and Rules for EID
Thanks to a recent ruling from Congress, producers are now getting more support to help with the transition to electronic identification. “Congress approved funding to help producers voluntarily obtain EID tags, which cost around $3 each,” writes Hall. “The Consolidated Appropriations Act passed in March of 2024 allocated $15 million for EID.”
As part of the new rule, some cattle and bison already tagged with a visual- only official USDA metal NUES tag will be grandfathered in and allowed to move across state lines (Ohio Department of Agriculture). And through USDA support, some states are offering free low- frequency button- style RFID tags to accredited veterinarians and producers.
It’s important to know that the Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program only applies to cattle moving across state lines.
“The ADT program applies to movement between states of sexually intact beef cattle 18 months of age or older and dairy cattle of any age,” explains the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA). “Feeder cattle and movements of any class of livestock within a state (and thus not crossing state lines) are not subject to the ADT program and are not required by federal law to be identified with electronic ID or otherwise. States may have their own rules for identification and movement.”
That said, even if your herd doesn’t move across state lines and isn’t required to have EID, it’s something worth considering. Adding electronic ID now could open marketing opportunities later if you decide to expand your operation or reach new buyers.
The final rule doesn’t expand the classes of beef cattle that require official identification. However, it does include beef-on-dairy crosses as covered animals if they’re born to a dairy cow.
A few other notable changes to the ADT program include:
●Dairy steers and spayed heifers now need to be individually listed by official ID numbers on an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI), similar to the current requirement for sexually intact dairy cattle.
● Cattle leaving a slaughter establishment can now only go to another slaughter establishment or an approved feedlot.
● Veterinarians must keep records of official ID devices in a system that’s easy to access when needed.
● The USDA is moving away from specifying “RFID” and instead referring more broadly to “electronic identification,” leaving room for future technologies.
EID and RFID are of course far from perfect for traceability. After all, tags can still be applied incorrectly and paperwork gets mixed up. But it’s a tool that lowers the chances of human error and makes cleanup easier when they do happen. Whether you love or hate it, the shift toward EID in various forms is likely here to stay, making it one more tool you’ll want to have familiarity with.
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