Livestock Ear Tag Requirements in New Jersey: What Every Producer Needs to Know

If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, or swine in New Jersey, official ear tag requirements affect nearly every animal that leaves your farm. A sweeping federal rule that took effect in November 2024 changed what counts as official identification for cattle and bison, and New Jersey producers who are not yet compliant face real consequences — from restricted sales to blocked interstate shipments.

This guide walks you through every layer of the livestock ear tag requirements in New Jersey: which animals are covered, what the new RFID mandate means for your operation, where to get approved tags, and how to keep records that satisfy both state and federal inspectors.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in New Jersey

Not every animal on your New Jersey farm needs an official government-issued ear tag, but the list is longer than many producers expect. Under federal Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) rules administered by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), official identification is required for specific classes of cattle, bison, sheep, and goats moving in interstate commerce.

For cattle and bison, the animals that must carry official ID include sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, all dairy cattle regardless of age, and any cattle or bison used for rodeo or recreational events. The rule applies to specific categories crossing state lines: sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, and animals required to be officially identified under any federal disease program such as brucellosis or tuberculosis. USDA estimates this affects approximately 11 to 12 percent of the national cattle herd in any given year.

Several categories are exempt from the EID requirement, including beef feeder cattle under 18 months of age unless the destination state or a disease program requires it. If your beef calves are headed straight to a feedlot and will not cross state lines, they fall outside the federal mandate — though you should always confirm destination-state rules before shipping.

For sheep and goats, the federal National Scrapie Eradication Program governs official identification. All sheep over one year of age are required to have tamper-proof ear tags, tattoos, or microchips. Scrapie identification is required by the USDA for almost all sheep and lambs in order to control this deadly contagious disease. New Jersey’s own regulations reinforce this: sheep and goats must be identified using the identification method at Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 79 — Scrapie in Sheep and Goats — which New Jersey has adopted by reference.

For swine, cattle and swine on a New Jersey Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) must be identified by ear tag, tattoo, or registration name and number, or other identification as approved by the State Veterinarian. Swine moving interstate must carry premises identification, and USDA APHIS has been rolling out a no-cost RFID program for sow and exhibition swine producers.

Pro Tip: When in doubt about whether a specific animal needs official ID, tag it. USDA’s own guidance advises that if you are unsure, apply the tag — the cost of a tag is far less than the cost of a blocked shipment or a failed disease investigation.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

The most significant shift in livestock identification in a generation took effect on November 5, 2024. USDA APHIS amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that ear tags applied on or after that date be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized as official ear tags for interstate movement of cattle and bison. The rule also clarified certain record retention and record access requirements and revised some requirements pertaining to slaughter cattle.

These changes enhance the ability of Tribal, State, and Federal officials, private veterinarians, and livestock producers to quickly respond to high-impact diseases currently existing in the United States, as well as foreign animal diseases that threaten the viability of the U.S. cattle and bison industries. In practical terms, a plain metal visual tag applied to a cow after November 5, 2024 no longer qualifies as official ID for interstate movement.

There is an important grandfather provision that protects producers who tagged animals before the deadline. Per 9 CFR Part 86, visual-only NUES tags are no longer acceptable as official identification for cattle and bison when applied on or after November 5, 2024. Visual-only NUES tags for cattle and bison placed in ears prior to this date will be considered official for the life of the animal and need not be replaced.

USDA’s Final 2024 Animal Disease Traceability rule only changes the type of tag that can be used — it does not change the class of animals that are required to be tagged. If your animal was already required to carry official ID before the rule, it still is. The rule simply upgrades the technology standard for any new tags applied.

Important Note: The November 2024 RFID mandate applies to cattle and bison only. Sheep, goats, and swine continue to follow their existing identification rules under separate federal programs. Do not apply cattle RFID 840 tags to small ruminants — each species has its own approved tag format.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in New Jersey

The 840 RFID ear tag is the new standard for official cattle and bison identification in the United States, including New Jersey. The “840” refers to the U.S. country code that begins every 15-digit Animal Identification Number (AIN) on these tags. Official EID tags are 15 digits long, starting with 840, have the US shield, and say “Unlawful to Remove.” Official EID tags begin with 840 and are nationally unique, and they also bear the US shield and the statement that they are “Unlawful to Remove.”

Two RFID technology types are accepted. Both HDX (half-duplex) and FDX (full-duplex) low-frequency ear tags meet U.S. standards for official EID. Either is acceptable for official purposes — choose based on your reader equipment and management software. UHF RFID tags are also approved under interim data standards published by APHIS.

Every official tag applied since March 11, 2015 must display the official eartag shield. The official eartag shield is the U.S. Route Shield graphic with “US” or the State postal abbreviation imprinted within it. Since March 11, 2015, all official eartags applied to animals must bear an official eartag shield, and APHIS authorizes tag manufacturers to imprint the shield on approved tags.

To purchase official 840 RFID tags, you first need a Premises Identification Number (PIN). Official tags display the 15-digit AIN, the official eartag shield, and “Unlawful to Remove.” A PIN is required to purchase 840 tags. New Jersey producers who do not yet have a PIN should contact the NJDA or USDA APHIS Veterinary Services to obtain one before ordering tags.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in New Jersey

Cattle and Bison: As described above, any official ear tag applied to cattle or bison in New Jersey on or after November 5, 2024 must be an RFID-capable 840 AIN tag. Sexually intact animals 18 months and older, all dairy cattle, and cattle used in rodeo or recreation require official ID before interstate movement. Beef feeder calves under 18 months headed directly to a feedlot within New Jersey may be exempt from the federal requirement, but always verify with the NJDA State Veterinarian’s office.

Sheep and Goats: New Jersey sheep and goat producers operate under the federal National Scrapie Eradication Program. A Premises Identification Number is required before a lamb can leave the farm where it was born. Scrapie tags carry the owner’s premises identification number on one side and a sequential number on the other side, identifying the individual sheep for recordkeeping purposes.

Approved identification methods for sheep and goats include official flock ID ear tags, metal or plastic scrapie serial tags, approved registry tattoos, and RFID ear tags or microchips. Producers who handle sheep or goats in commerce and need additional tags or want a different type may purchase official plastic, metal, or RFID tags directly from approved tag manufacturers. A flock or premises ID is required to order tags from these sources, and a national premises ID is also required to purchase official 840 RFID tags or implantable devices.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture reinforces the importance of ID for these species. It is important to have identification on your sheep and goats that links them to your premises in case they escape or get commingled in a disaster. Examples of ID that link to your farm include registration tattoos, scrapie tags, or microchips.

Swine: Swine moving interstate from New Jersey must carry premises-based identification. APHIS is offering no-cost RFID ear tags to eligible swine producers. New Jersey swine producers can contact the NJDA State Veterinarian’s office or USDA APHIS to check availability and eligibility for the no-cost program. Visual-only tags remain acceptable for swine under current federal rules, though RFID is encouraged for faster disease traceability.

Species	Official ID Required For	Accepted ID Types (as of Nov. 2024)	Governing Program
Cattle / Bison	Sexually intact 18+ months, all dairy, rodeo/recreation animals	840 RFID ear tag (for tags applied Nov. 5, 2024 or later)	USDA ADT / 9 CFR Part 86
Sheep	All sheep over 12 months; sexually intact sheep under 18 months sold for breeding or exhibition	Scrapie flock ID tag, approved tattoo, RFID tag, microchip	National Scrapie Eradication Program / 9 CFR Part 79
Goats	Same as sheep	Scrapie flock ID tag, approved tattoo, RFID tag, microchip	National Scrapie Eradication Program / 9 CFR Part 79
Swine	Interstate movement; exhibition animals	Ear tag, tattoo, or other ID approved by NJ State Veterinarian; RFID encouraged	NJ ADC 2:3-1.4 / USDA APHIS

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in New Jersey

New Jersey producers have several options for sourcing official ear tags, and the right channel depends on your species and tag type.

For 840 RFID Cattle Tags: You can purchase tags directly from USDA-approved manufacturers or through veterinary supply distributors and farm supply stores. Three major manufacturers produce approved 840 tags: Allflex (Dallas, TX), Datamars (Temple, TX), and Y-Tex (Cody, WY). Tags are available through veterinary supply distributors, farm supply stores, and directly from manufacturers. As of October 2024, the full list of approved manufacturers on the USDA APHIS traceability page also includes All Data Tags LLC, AniTrace, Inc., Digital Angel Corp., Eriginate Corp., Global Animal Management, Leader Products, and Shearwell Data Ltd.

RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity. For comparison, traditional visual-only metal tags cost $0.10 to $0.25 each and were often provided free by USDA through state veterinarian offices. Contact the NJDA Division of Animal Health to ask about any available no-cost tag allocations, as USDA periodically distributes free tags to states through traceability funding.

For Sheep and Goat Scrapie Tags: First-time participants in the sheep and goat identification program can receive up to 100 plastic flock ID tags free of charge from the National Scrapie Eradication Program. To request official sheep and goat tags, a flock or premises ID, or both, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824). Additional tags beyond the initial free allotment can be purchased from approved manufacturers once you have your flock or premises ID.

For Swine Tags: Contact the NJDA State Veterinarian’s office or reach out directly to USDA APHIS about the no-cost RFID swine tag program. Producers need a valid PIN and must report the number of sows or show pigs on their premises to participate.

Pro Tip: Before ordering any official tags, confirm your Premises Identification Number (PIN) is active and linked to your current farm address. Tags are assigned to a specific premises, not to an individual producer — if you have moved or expanded to a new location, you may need a new PIN for that site.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in New Jersey

Timing matters as much as tag type. Apply official ear tags well before any planned movement, sale, or exhibition — do not wait until loading day. Apply the official tag well before movement, such as at processing, preconditioning, or prior to sale or shipment, to avoid delays.

Proper placement improves both retention and readability. Place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two cartilage ribs, avoiding blood vessels, and follow brand-specific instructions. Clean the applicator and ear before application, ensure firm closure, and check retention before animals leave the chute. For sheep, ear tags should be placed between the middle and lower cartilage ribs in the ear, and far enough out on the ear to allow for later wool growth.

The standard placement for cattle 840 RFID tags is the left ear, following the protocol recommended by USDA APHIS and most state veterinarians. Using a consistent ear across your herd makes scanning faster at markets and during disease investigations.

• Clean the application site with a dry cloth before inserting the tag
• Use the applicator designed for your specific tag brand and model — mismatched applicators cause poor retention
• Match your HDX or FDX tag choice to any existing RFID reader at your farm or local market
• Check that the tag number is fully legible visually before the animal leaves the chute
• Record the tag number immediately at application — do not rely on memory or end-of-day transcription
• Replace lost tags promptly and record both the original and replacement tag numbers

Never remove an official ear tag without authorization. Unauthorized removal of official identification is a federal violation under 9 CFR Part 86 and can result in civil penalties. If a tag is lost, contact your state veterinarian’s office for guidance on applying a replacement and documenting the change.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in New Jersey

Moving livestock across state lines from New Jersey triggers both federal and destination-state requirements. The federal baseline is set by USDA APHIS under the Animal Disease Traceability program, but every receiving state may layer on additional conditions.

For cattle and bison, the federal rule is clear: those options remain valid for some purposes, but for interstate movement of covered animals, an 840 RFID tag is now the standard. If you are shipping covered cattle — dairy animals, sexually intact beef cattle 18 months or older, or rodeo/recreation animals — out of New Jersey, each animal must carry a USDA-approved 840 RFID ear tag applied on or after November 5, 2024, or a grandfathered visual tag applied before that date.

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) accompanies most interstate livestock shipments. Under New Jersey regulations at N.J.A.C. 2:3-1.4, the CVI must describe the species, breed, sex, and age of animals, and cattle and swine must be identified by ear tag, tattoo, or registration name and number, or other identification as approved by the State Veterinarian. Your accredited veterinarian issues the CVI after a physical inspection, typically within 30 days of shipment.

Animals going directly to a USDA-inspected slaughter facility have a narrower pathway. Cattle going direct to a USDA-inspected slaughter facility can move on only a USDA back tag. If you choose to sell cattle without official ear tags as slaughter-only animals, not putting an official identification on these animals restricts who can buy them — at auction or off the farm, these animals must be sold to a USDA-recognized slaughter facility per federal requirements.

Always check the destination state’s import requirements before shipping. USDA APHIS maintains a state import requirements lookup tool on its traceability page. If you are also transporting animals in a trailer, review livestock trailer requirements in Pennsylvania or other neighboring states to ensure your transport setup meets all applicable rules. You may also find it useful to review livestock trailer requirements in New Jersey before your next interstate haul.

Important Note: Destination states may impose requirements beyond the federal baseline — including health testing, additional ID formats, or quarantine periods. Contact the receiving state’s department of agriculture before every new interstate shipment, especially during active disease outbreak investigations.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in New Jersey

Applying the right tag is only half the compliance picture. Federal and state rules require you to maintain written records that link each tag number to a specific animal, premises, and transaction. Without those records, a tag number alone cannot support a disease investigation.

For cattle and bison, APHIS has encouraged the use of electronic recordkeeping through efforts such as targeted funding to State and Tribal animal health officials operating under an ADT cooperative agreement to support their electronic recordkeeping systems and maintain their internal databases used for animal disease traceability. Whether you use paper or software, your records must be available to state or federal animal health officials upon request.

If you apply a new RFID tag to a cattle animal that was already officially identified with an older tag, non-EID official eartags applied before November 5, 2024 remain valid. If you apply a new EID tag to an already officially identified animal, you must record both tag numbers and the date the new tag was applied.

For sheep and goats, the National Scrapie Eradication Program has its own recordkeeping rules. Owners must keep a record of all scrapie tags, tattoos, and microchips applied to sheep or goats. When you buy or sell an animal, you also need to record information about that purchase or sale — and for sheep and goats, you need to keep that record for five years after you sell the animal.

At minimum, your ear tag records for any species should capture the following for each animal:

1. Official tag number (complete 15-digit AIN for 840 tags, or full scrapie tag number)
2. Species, breed, sex, and approximate age or date of birth
3. Date the tag was applied and the name of the person who applied it
4. Premises Identification Number (PIN) associated with the tag
5. Date and destination of any sale, transfer, or interstate movement
6. Replacement tag number and date, if an original tag was lost

Official ear tags provide animal health officials with a specific starting point from which to trace diseased or potentially exposed animals. The required tag distribution records associate the official identification number with the person that received the device. Without official identification, animal health officials’ ability to accurately trace an animal’s movements can take months or may never be achieved.

Keep records in a location you can access quickly — not only for inspections, but in the event of a disease outbreak or natural disaster. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture recommends that producers be prepared to share animal identification records as part of emergency response planning. If you keep other livestock-related documentation, store it alongside your ear tag logs for faster retrieval. You may also want to review rabies vaccine requirements in New Jersey to ensure your full livestock health records are in order, and if you keep ferrets or cats on your farm, check the rabies vaccine requirements for ferrets in New Jersey and rabies vaccine requirements for cats in New Jersey as well.

Staying current on ear tag compliance in New Jersey means watching both the NJDA and USDA APHIS for updates. The federal ADT program continues to evolve — APHIS has signaled ongoing interest in expanding electronic identification across more species and movement types. Building solid tagging and recordkeeping habits now puts your operation in the best position to adapt as requirements change, and it protects both your animals and your ability to sell them anywhere in the country.