07/22/2024
I have been getting a lot of questions about RFID tags, so I will try and clear the air a little.. Recently, Washington and USDA APHIS put in motion enhanced traceability regulations on ADULT BEEF CATTLE (18 months of age and older) that, by fall of 2024, will require the use of ‘ 840 ‘ RFID tags for interstate movement purposes. These government issued RFID tags most often come in the form of low frequency capabilities, and cannot be read, or traced, from more than about 12 inches from a reader. High frequency tags have capabilities of more like several feet. This change is at no additional cost to the producer as of now, and I encourage producers to reach out to the State Veterinary office in Helena to acquire tags.
MONTANA BEEF PRODUCERS:
CALVES:
Non-DSA Calves being shipped in the fall out of state to go on feed will not be affected by this change.
DSA producers WILL, in most cases, be required to officially identify INTACT feeders prior to shipment with ‘840’ RFID tags.
COWS AND BULLS >18 months of age :
‘840’ RFID tags will be required for interstate movement.
When it’s all said and done with, NOTHING is changing in regards to the necessity of an official ID for the above mentioned BEEF CATTLE. We have been doing this for years. However, no longer will you see the SILVER NUES tags or ORANGE METAL BANGS clips be recognized as acceptable forms of identification for interstate movement requirements.
I encourage you not to be frustrated with the mandate. I know if there’s two thing ranchers don’t love, it’s ‘change’ and ‘government mandate’. However, this motion will drastically help improve efficiency and accuracy of traceability for interstate movements **while also saving/ preserving the fingers and sanity of vets and vet techs nationwide**
I end with a snippet directly from USDA APHIS website:
“Rapid traceability in a disease outbreak will not only limit how long farms are quarantined, keep more animals from getting sick, and help ranchers and farmers get back to selling their products more quickly – but will help keep our markets open. One of the most significant benefits of the rule for farmers and ranchers will be the enhanced ability of the United States to limit impacts of animal disease outbreaks to certain regions, which is the key to maintaining our foreign markets. By being able to readily prove disease-free status in non-affected regions of the United States, we will be able to request foreign trading partners recognize disease-free regions or zones instead of cutting off trade for the entire country. Traceability of animals is necessary to establish these disease-free zones and facilitate reestablishment of foreign and domestic market access with minimum delay in the wake of an animal disease event. “
For more info:
Please call or visit Usda-Aphis adt website or call 406 444 2976
