Beef Cattle Topics

• Beef Cattle Articles (Ask IFAS)
• November Beef Cattle Calendar Calendar for Nov.
• Body Condition Scores BCS
• Bull Selection
• Controlled Breeding Season

• Electronic Identification (EID) in Cattle and Bison

  ACTION:
  The mandatory Electronic Identification rule that will become effective November 5, 2024. Visual ear tags applied prior to November 5th will be recognized as official ear tags for the life of the animal, and brands and tattoos will still be recognized when accepted by state animal health officials in the receiving state and state of origin. 

  USDA/APHIS Frequently Asked Questions

  IMPACT:

  The classes of cattle covered by this rule has not materially changed from the original 2013 rule, and include: 

  • sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months old and older, 
  • all dairy cattle, and 
  • cattle and bison used for rodeos and exhibitions.

  The rule also clarifies components related to recordkeeping and access to records.

  ISSUE: 

  As domestic and international movement of live cattle and fresh beef have increased over the last several decades, animal disease traceability has received greater attention. Due to these factors, in 2013 USDA enacted rules related to official identification for interstate movement of certain classes of cattle and bison. Earlier this year, USDA finalized an amendment to this rule, requiring that official identification be readable both visually and electronically.