Livestock Ear Tag Requirements in South Dakota: What Every Producer Needs to Know

If you run cattle, bison, sheep, goats, swine, or horses in South Dakota, ear tag compliance is one of the most consequential administrative tasks on your operation. Tag the wrong animal with the wrong device — or miss a tag entirely before shipping — and you risk fines, confiscation, or losing your ability to sell through markets.

South Dakota’s ear tagging rules sit at the intersection of state Animal Industry Board (AIB) requirements and the federal Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) framework. A major federal change took effect in November 2024, upgrading the official identification standard for cattle and bison from visual-only metal tags to RFID-capable 840 tags. Understanding exactly which animals are affected, which tag types qualify, and what records you must keep is essential before you move a single head across state lines.

Important Note: The federal RFID ear tag rule is in effect as of November 5, 2024, but it faces an active legal challenge in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota. As of March 2026, the case is ongoing. Producers should comply with the rule as written until a court order or regulatory change says otherwise.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in South Dakota

Not every animal on your South Dakota operation needs an official government ear tag — but many do, particularly once they leave your premises or cross a state line. The South Dakota Animal Industry Board (AIB) follows the federal ADT framework, which sets out which species and categories of animals must carry official identification.

Under federal regulations, the following categories of cattle and bison are subject to official identification requirements for interstate movement: all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or over; all female dairy cattle of any age and all male dairy cattle born after March 11, 2013; cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events; and cattle and bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions.

Cattle and bison are exempted from official identification requirements if they are going directly to slaughter. Beef feeder cattle under 18 months that are moving to a feedlot within South Dakota — and not crossing a state line — are generally not subject to the tagging requirement unless a specific disease program applies.

Beyond cattle and bison, sheep and goats moving interstate must carry official identification under the federal scrapie program. Swine and horses moving interstate also require official ID, though the accepted forms differ by species. The South Dakota AIB’s Official Identification page lists the accepted ID types for each species in detail.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

The single biggest shift in livestock identification in a generation took effect on November 5, 2024. New federal rules took effect requiring electronic identification (EID) ear tags for certain cattle and bison moving across state lines. The change was years in the making and significantly raises the bar for what counts as “official” identification.

USDA APHIS amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that eartags applied on or after the effective date be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized for use as official eartags for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations. USDA published the final rule on May 9, 2024, making the effective date November 5, 2024.

In the past several years, the limitations of metal ear tags in terms of speed and accuracy in tracking cattle movements to respond to disease outbreaks had become evident, as it requires a close visual check of every single metal ear tag. This led to the decision to phase out the use of metal tags in favor of RFID technology, which offers significant improvements in traceability.

If your cattle already carried official visual-only tags before the rule took effect, you do not need to retag them. Cattle tagged with a metal tag or a plastic, non-RFID official identification tag prior to that date will be grandfathered in. Cattle tagged with visual-only official tags prior to November 5, 2024, do not need to be retagged unless they lose their ID.

Pro Tip: South Dakota was among the states that exhausted its 2024 allocation of free federal RFID tags before year-end. Contact the SD AIB or your accredited veterinarian early to check current tag availability rather than waiting until shipping day.

The rule also carries ongoing legal scrutiny. NCLA filed a lawsuit against USDA and APHIS on October 30, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota on behalf of farmers, ranchers, and their ranch organizations, including R-CALF USA and the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association. In September, the court denied USDA’s motion to dismiss the suit’s claims based on lack of standing and partially denied its request to strike portions of the claims, allowing the case to proceed. Until a court issues a stay or the rule is vacated, compliance remains required.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in South Dakota

The new USDA rule mandates that official identification for interstate movement of certain cattle and bison must be both visually and electronically readable. In practice, this means ear tags embedded with RFID chips bearing a unique 15-digit number beginning with “840” — the U.S. country code.

USDA 840 tags are only developed by authorized manufacturers and have a unique Animal Identification Number (AIN) that begins with the prefix 840. USDA tags have a unique 15-digit number starting with “840,” display the USDA shield emblem, and a “Unlawful to Remove” print. Once applied, an official RFID tag cannot be removed from an animal’s ear.

There are two main RFID formats approved under the 840 system. HDX tags utilize half-duplex technology that can be read from a greater distance and are beneficial for automated systems. FDX tags utilize full-duplex technology and are a cost-effective option. Both formats meet USDA requirements. You can also choose between all-in-one tags — which combine the visual and electronic components in a single ear piece — or matched-pair sets where a button EID tag is paired with a separate visual panel tag.

A Premises ID is required to purchase USDA tags. To get your Premises Identification Number (PIN), register your farm or ranch location with USDA APHIS or through the South Dakota AIB. Your Premises Registration is an “Official” USDA unique seven-character identifier for your operation. You cannot legally order 840 tags without this number on file.

South Dakota also maintains state-specific NUES (National Uniform Eartagging System) silver metal tags. Each South Dakota tag has a 9-digit individual number that starts with “46” — the SD State Code. These silver tags remain valid as official ID for cattle and bison that received them before November 5, 2024, but are no longer considered official for animals tagged after that date for interstate movement purposes.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in South Dakota

Each livestock species has its own identification requirements under both federal and South Dakota state rules. Applying a cattle RFID tag to a sheep or using the wrong tag format for swine will not satisfy official ID requirements — and could delay or block your shipment.

Cattle and Bison

As detailed above, cattle and bison in the covered categories moving interstate must now carry 840 RFID tags applied after November 5, 2024. This requirement applies to official identification placed for any reason, including interstate movement, brucellosis vaccination, and tuberculosis testing. For brucellosis vaccination specifically, RFID tags are now being applied to replacement heifers receiving vaccination for brucellosis in place of the former orange metal tags.

Sheep and Goats

Sheep and goats are subject to the federal scrapie eradication program, which has its own identification requirements separate from the cattle RFID rule. Please see the SDAIB Scrapie pamphlet and the USDA document on Federal Requirements for Sheep and Goats for more information. Scrapie program ID for sheep typically involves official eartags or a flock-level identification system. Importantly, do not use cattle RFID tags on small ruminants — these animals have their own RFID tags.

Swine

Swine moving interstate require official identification, but the accepted forms differ from cattle. Official eartags (NUES and 840/AIN tags) are used for ID on interstate certificates of veterinary inspection (ICVIs) and test charts. USDA premises tags printed with a unique herd management number may be used as official ID on non-slaughter swine. Breed registration tattoos may also be used on ICVIs and test charts.

Horses and Equines

Horses do not use ear tags as their primary identification method. A detailed physical description on an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection and/or Coggins test chart — including any brands or lip tattoos — is accepted. Digital photographs sufficient to identify the individual equine are also acceptable, as is non-ISO electronic identification injected into the equine on or before February 26, 2014. Check the USDA Federal Requirements for Equine document for full details on accepted ID methods for horses crossing into or out of South Dakota. You can also review South Dakota’s transporting livestock laws for broader movement rules that apply to equines and other species.

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in South Dakota

You have several options for sourcing official 840 RFID tags in South Dakota. Choosing the right channel depends on how many tags you need, your budget, and whether free government-distributed tags are currently available.

• Livestock supply distributors and tag manufacturers: Tags are available for purchase from livestock supply distributors and tag manufacturers — a national Premises ID number is required. Three major manufacturers produce approved 840 tags: Allflex (Dallas, TX), Datamars (Temple, TX), and Y-Tex (Cody, WY).
• Your accredited veterinarian: Tags can be purchased from your local veterinarian or ag supply store, and producers can apply the tags themselves if they would like. Orange 840/AIN RFID tags for brucellosis vaccination are available only through accredited veterinarians.
• USDA no-cost tag program: Many state veterinarian offices distribute free 840 RFID tags to producers, but supply has been uneven. North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana all reported using up their 2024 allocations before year-end. Contact the SD AIB at aib.sd.gov or USDA APHIS Veterinary Services in Pierre at (605) 224-6186 to check on current availability.
• Online retailers: Suppliers like Valley Vet Supply and LivestockTags.com sell USDA-approved 840 tags directly to producers. Your Premises ID is required at checkout.

RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity. Tag applicators are manufacturer-specific, so confirm your applicator is compatible with the tag brand you order before your first purchase.

Pro Tip: Order tags well before calving season or your planned shipping date. Tag manufacturers and distributors can experience backlogs during peak periods, and running out of official tags on shipping day creates costly delays.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in South Dakota

Proper tag application protects both the animal and the integrity of the identification record. A tag applied incorrectly is more likely to be lost, and a lost official tag creates a compliance problem the next time that animal moves.

Tags may be placed in either ear. Follow the manufacturer’s placement guidelines for the specific tag style you are using. When applying electronic button tags, remove the plastic insert from the lower jaw of the applicator before use to ensure the tag seats correctly in the ear tissue. For brucellosis vaccination tags specifically, these are placed in the right ear by the herd veterinarian at the time of vaccination.

The timing of tagging depends on the reason for identification:

• Before interstate movement: All covered animals must be officially tagged before they leave your premises. Tags must be in place and recorded on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) before the animal is loaded.
• At brucellosis vaccination: Replacement heifers receive their RFID vaccination tag at the time the accredited veterinarian administers the vaccine — typically between 4 and 12 months of age.
• At markets or approved tagging sites: South Dakota maintains approved tagging sites — locations approved to officially identify animals that move interstate upon arrival at the tagging site. If an animal arrives at a South Dakota market without official ID, it can be tagged at the market before it moves further.
• At TB or disease testing: Animals undergoing official program disease testing that lack official ID must be tagged at the time of testing.

You are not required to buy any electronic tag readers or software unless you want to for easier record keeping and herd management. That said, using EID readers to scan tags, rather than manually reading, makes the process quicker, easier, and more accurate for recordkeeping. If you run a larger operation or frequently move cattle, an RFID reader pays for itself quickly in time saved at the chute.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in South Dakota

Moving livestock out of South Dakota — or bringing animals in from another state — triggers a set of overlapping federal and state requirements. Official ear tags are just one piece of the compliance puzzle. You also need a valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and, in many cases, an import permit.

Effective as of March 11, 2013, USDA’s animal disease traceability rule established general regulations for livestock that move interstate. Under the rule, unless specifically exempted, livestock moved interstate must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection.

For animals entering South Dakota, all livestock entering South Dakota must have an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection stating: name, address, and phone number of consignor; name and address of point of origination if different from consignor; name, physical address, and phone number of consignee; and name and physical address of destination if different than consignee information. Import permits are valid for 15 days.

The ear tag number for each animal must appear on the CVI. The tag should be listed on the CVI that accompanies the animal during transport. If you are moving cattle to a show or rodeo in another state, those animals must carry official RFID tags even if they are beef cattle under 18 months, because the show/rodeo category triggers the requirement regardless of age.

Producers moving cattle under a commuter herd agreement — where animals cross state lines as part of normal grazing operations without a change of ownership — may be exempt from the standard ID requirement. Under a commuter herd agreement between a livestock owner and State or Tribal animal health officials, cattle and bison may be moved interstate between two premises, without a change of ownership in the course of normal livestock operations, subject to the conditions of the agreement. Contact the SD AIB to confirm whether your operation qualifies.

For a full overview of trailer and transport rules that apply alongside ear tag requirements, see the South Dakota livestock trailer requirements guide and the companion resource on brand inspection requirements in South Dakota, which often apply to the same shipments.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in South Dakota

Tagging your animals is only half the compliance equation. You also need to maintain accurate records that connect each tag number to a specific animal, premises, and movement event. These records are what allow state and federal officials to trace an animal back to its origin during a disease investigation.

South Dakota follows the federal record retention requirements under 9 CFR Part 86. Key recordkeeping obligations include:

• ICVI forwarding: The federal traceability rule requires that all issued ICVIs be forwarded to the state office in Pierre within 7 calendar days of the date of issue.
• ICVI retention by species: Copies of issued ICVIs must be maintained for two years for swine and poultry, and five years for all other livestock species.
• Tag number records: When you purchase 840 tags, your Premises ID is linked to the batch of tag numbers you receive. Keep your purchase records and tag distribution logs on file so you can account for every tag number if asked.
• Brucellosis vaccination records: Veterinarians must complete and submit official brucellosis vaccination certificates. Producers should retain a copy of the vaccination record for each animal that receives a brucellosis RFID tag.

USDA APHIS also clarified certain record retention and record access requirements as part of the November 2024 rule update. This means inspectors have the authority to request your records during an official investigation, and maintaining organized files — whether paper or digital — is not optional.

Digital recordkeeping tools can simplify compliance significantly. Many dairy farms have been using RFID tags for years, incorporating them into their animal management software, which records illnesses and treatments, reproduction information, and milk production data. Beef producers can apply the same approach using farm management apps that import tag numbers directly from an RFID reader.

Pro Tip: Store a backup copy of all ICVI records and tag purchase documentation off-site or in a cloud-based system. Paper records stored only in a barn office are vulnerable to fire, flood, and other losses — and losing your records does not excuse a compliance gap during an official investigation.

If you have questions about specific recordkeeping obligations for your operation, contact the SD Animal Industry Board directly at (605) 772-3321 or email aibmail@state.sd.us. You can also reach the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office in Pierre at vssd@aphis.usda.gov for federal program questions.

Staying current on ear tag rules is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time task. Regulations at both the state and federal level can change — as the November 2024 rule demonstrated — so check the SD AIB Disease Traceability page at least once a year and before any major shipment. For related South Dakota livestock and animal regulations, the guides on rooster crowing laws in South Dakota and exotic pets legal in South Dakota cover additional areas of state animal law that producers and landowners may need to understand.