Livestock Ear Tag Requirements in Kansas: What Every Producer Needs to Know
July 18, 2026
If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, swine, or other livestock in Kansas, official ear tag requirements directly affect how you buy, sell, and move animals. Get this wrong and you could face delays at state lines, rejected health certificates, or loss of selling privileges at auction.
Kansas follows the federal Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) framework administered by USDA APHIS, with the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Division of Animal Health overseeing state-level compliance. A major federal rule change took effect in November 2024, making electronic identification (EID) tags the new standard for covered cattle and bison. This guide walks you through every requirement — by species, by situation, and by what you need to do right now.
Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Kansas
Not every animal on your Kansas operation needs an official ear tag, but the rules cover more species than many producers realize. The federal animal disease traceability rule for livestock moved interstate, effective March 2013, established minimum national official identification and documentation requirements. The species covered include cattle and bison, sheep and goats, swine, horses and other equines, captive cervids (such as deer and elk), and poultry.
When these animals move interstate, unless otherwise exempt, they must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (ICVI) or other movement document agreed upon by both the sending and receiving states. Kansas producers moving animals within the state are generally not subject to federal ADT tagging requirements, but disease programs and Kansas-specific rules may still apply.
For cattle specifically, the rule does not cover every animal. 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.
Pro Tip: If you are unsure whether your animals require official ID, contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health at 785-565-6616 before moving livestock across state lines.
Animals moving direct to slaughter — or through an approved market to slaughter — are exempt from official ID. Beef feeder cattle under 18 months of age are not required to have official ID unless otherwise required by a disease program or by a receiving state. Always confirm the destination state’s import requirements before loading, since receiving states can impose additional conditions beyond the federal baseline.
Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024
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 rule, published by USDA APHIS, replaces the old system of visual-only metal tags with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that can be read electronically.
USDA amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that eartags applied on or after 180 days after publication in the Federal Register 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.
The change does not expand which animals need tags — it changes what kind of tag counts as official. 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.
Producers with animals already wearing older-style metal tags do not need to retag. Visual eartags applied to animals prior to November 5, 2024 will be recognized as official eartags for the life of the animal. This eliminates the use of metal brite tags, commonly referred to as NUES tags, and ear tags without electronic readability as “official identification” for cattle and bison covered by the ADT rule — but only for tags applied after the effective date.
Important Note: The November 2024 rule applies to cattle and bison only. Sheep, goats, swine, equines, and other species follow separate identification programs that were not changed by this rule.
Many exceptions under the existing rule remain in place, including a backtag option for direct-to-slaughter cattle — cattle moved direct-to-slaughter from markets can move with approved backtags instead of official identification even if moving between states. Cattle requiring official ID may also move across state lines directly to an approved tagging site prior to being identified. Most livestock auctions are approved tagging sites.
Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Kansas
The 840 RFID tag is now the standard official identification device for covered cattle and bison in Kansas. An official EID tag is a USDA-approved official tag for animal disease traceability. 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. Official EID tags also bear the US shield and the statement that they are “Unlawful to Remove.” The visual number printed on the tag is the same Animal Identification Number (AIN) encoded in the RFID chip, so anyone can read it at arm’s length without a scanner.
The new EID rule makes all official identification tags both electronically and visually readable from an arm’s length away by a person with 20/20 vision. EID tags can be used in the same manner as visual-only tags by those who do not wish to invest in tag-reading equipment.
| Tag Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Number format | 15-digit AIN starting with “840” |
| Visual marking | US shield imprinted on tag |
| Tamper indication | “Unlawful to Remove” statement |
| Readability | Both visually and electronically readable |
| Approved technology | 840 RFID only (900-series tags not approved) |
| Grandfathered tags | Visual-only tags applied before November 5, 2024 remain valid for life of animal |
The 900 series of tags do not fill the rule requirements because they have not been officially approved by APHIS. Stick with tags sourced from USDA-approved manufacturers to avoid compliance problems at state lines or livestock markets.
RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity. Congress allocated $15 million in the March 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act specifically for EID tags. Many state veterinarian offices distribute free 840 RFID tags to producers, but supply has been uneven. Contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture EID resources page to check current tag availability in your area.
Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Kansas
Each livestock species has its own official identification program. The 840 RFID mandate applies only to cattle and bison. Other species follow separate federal frameworks that Kansas producers must also follow when moving animals across state lines.
Sheep and Goats
Sheep and goats fall under the National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP). Sheep and goats that are required to be officially identified for interstate movement must be identified by a device or method authorized by 9 CFR part 79. The Code of Federal Regulations part 79.2 and the National Scrapie Eradication Program Standards allow sheep and goats to be officially identified with registry tattoos for movement in interstate commerce with some exceptions.
Producers and others who handle sheep or goats in commerce may purchase official plastic, metal, or radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags directly from approved tag manufacturers. A flock or premises ID is required to order tags from these sources. A national premises ID is also required to purchase official 840 RFID tags or implantable devices.
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 tags or a flock ID, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824).
Swine
Swine moving interstate must be officially identified in accordance with § 71.19 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Swine identification typically uses ear tags, tattoos, or ear notches depending on the class of animal and movement type. USDA APHIS announced a new initiative to provide no-cost EID tags for swine beginning fall 2025. These EID tags are available for sow and exhibition swine producers.
Horses and Other Equines
Horses and other equids moving interstate must be officially identified prior to the interstate movement, unless they are used as the mode of transportation (horseback, horse and buggy) for travel to another location and then return direct to the original location. Horses and other equines moving interstate can be officially identified using a digital photograph or written description of the animal.
Captive Cervids and Poultry
Captive cervids that are required to be officially identified for interstate movement must be identified by a device or method authorized by 9 CFR part 77. Poultry moving interstate are required to have sealed and numbered leg bands. If you raise deer, elk, or other captive cervids in Kansas, contact the KDA Division of Animal Health for the current state-specific requirements that apply alongside the federal baseline.
Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Kansas
You have several options for sourcing official 840 RFID tags and other species-specific tags in Kansas. Knowing your premises identification number (PIN) before you order is essential — your premises identification number is required to order official tags from any source.
- Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA): The KDA Division of Animal Health distributes official EID tags to Kansas producers. Check the KDA Animal Disease Traceability page for current availability and contact information.
- Accredited veterinarians: Your local accredited vet can distribute official 840 tags and apply them during health certificate visits, which is especially convenient when you need an ICVI for interstate movement.
- Approved tag manufacturers: 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.
- Livestock auctions (approved tagging sites): Most livestock auctions are approved tagging sites and can apply official ID to animals arriving without tags before they are sold.
- Sheep and goat tags via NSEP: Call 1-866-USDA-Tag to request free flock ID tags under the National Scrapie Eradication Program.
Pro Tip: The USDA APHIS website maintains a searchable list of all program-approved 840 tag manufacturers. Before ordering from any supplier, verify the tags appear on that list to ensure they meet the official identification standard.
Only Animal Identification Number Device Managers can redistribute official 840 EID tags. If you are purchasing tags from a third party rather than a state agency or accredited vet, confirm that the distributor holds AIN Device Manager status to ensure the tags you receive are properly registered.
How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Kansas
Applying the tag correctly matters as much as using the right tag. A lost or unreadable tag can create compliance problems when you move animals, and replacement tagging requires additional recordkeeping steps.
The tag should be placed in the animal’s ear according to the directions supplied with the tags. Proper application is important for tag retention. Generally, tags should be placed in the middle rib and inner third of the ear.
Timing requirements depend on the purpose of the tag:
- Before interstate movement: Producers may apply official identification to their own animals before they are transported interstate. Tag the animal on your premises before loading whenever possible.
- At an approved tagging site: If an animal arrives at an approved livestock facility without official ID, the facility can apply tags on arrival before sale or onward movement.
- For disease program work: Only animals being tagged on November 5th and after will need the official 840 EID tag applied if moving across state lines or needing official ID for program disease work.
- Youth exhibition animals: Kansas 4-H animals nominated for the Kansas State Fair or Kansas Junior Livestock Show must carry Kansas 4-H EID ear tags. Any tags from 2020 and prior will not be accepted. Old-style non-EID tags are not accepted for state livestock nominations.
Use the correct applicator for your tag brand. Electronic identification tags should be placed with the correct applicator. Not all applicators work with all tags, and higher tag retention may result from using the correct applicator with the correct tag.
To reduce tag loss in your cattle herd, remove twine from hay bales and ensure hay rings are in good condition to minimize catching and snagging of tags. If an animal loses its official tag, it must be retagged with a new 840 RFID tag and both the old and new tag numbers must be recorded together.
Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Kansas
Moving tagged livestock across state lines from Kansas involves both federal identification requirements and documentation requirements. Official ID alone is not enough — you also need the right paperwork.
Unless specifically exempted, livestock traveling over a state border must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (ICVI) or other documentation. The ICVI must be issued by an accredited veterinarian and typically must accompany the animals to their destination.
Key interstate movement rules for Kansas cattle producers include:
- Sexually intact beef cattle 18 months and older: Require an official 840 RFID tag (if tagged on or after November 5, 2024) plus an ICVI.
- Dairy cattle of any age: Require official EID identification and an ICVI for all interstate movement.
- Rodeo, show, and exhibition cattle: Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, shows, exhibition, and recreational events require official identification for interstate movement.
- Beef feeder cattle under 18 months: Generally exempt from official ID requirements at the federal level, but always confirm the destination state’s rules before shipping.
- Direct-to-slaughter cattle: Backtags can still be used, but only on cattle going direct to a USDA-inspected slaughter facility.
Out-of-state cattle moving to an auction may move across state lines directly to an approved livestock facility without a health certificate if moved on an owner-shipper statement. In many states, the check-in slip created when selling cattle at a livestock auction meets the owner-shipper statement requirement.
If you are bringing livestock into Kansas from another state, contact the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-565-6616 or visit the KDA import and export regulations page. You can also check all states’ livestock import requirements at InterstrateLivestock.com. For Kansas producers moving animals to neighboring states, review our guide to livestock trailer requirements in Kansas to make sure your transport setup also meets legal standards before you load.
Kansas borders several states with their own livestock entry requirements. If you regularly ship to Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, or Nebraska, check each state’s current import rules. You can also review livestock trailer requirements in Missouri and livestock trailer requirements in Oklahoma as part of your pre-trip compliance check.
Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in Kansas
Ear tagging is only part of your compliance obligation. Federal and state rules require you to maintain records that connect each official tag number to a specific animal, premises, and transaction. These records are what make disease traceback possible in an outbreak.
Official ear tags provide animal health officials with a specific starting point from which to trace diseased or potentially diseased animals. The required tag distribution records associate the official identification number with the person that received the device.
Here is what federal regulations require at each level of the supply chain:
| Who | What to Record | How Long to Keep |
|---|---|---|
| Tag distributors (vets, state agencies, AIN Device Managers) | Names and addresses of everyone who received tags; entered into state or federal database | 5 years |
| Accredited veterinarians | Official ID devices applied to client animals; kept in a readily accessible record system | 5 years |
| Approved livestock facilities (auctions, markets) | ICVIs or alternate movement documents for all covered livestock entering the facility | 5 years for cattle/bison, sheep/goats, cervids, equines; 2 years for poultry and swine |
| Producers (when retagging) | Old tag number, new tag number, and date new tag was applied | 5 years |
Any state, tribe, accredited veterinarian, or other person or entity who distributes official identification devices must maintain for 5 years a record of the names and addresses of anyone to whom the devices were distributed. Official identification device distribution records must be entered by the person distributing the devices into the tribal, state, federal, or other database acceptable to each government entity.
Additional recordkeeping requirements include retrieval of official identification distribution records and certificates of veterinary inspection (CVI) within 48 hours of a request made by federal or state animal health officials. This 48-hour retrieval requirement is new under the 2024 rule, so make sure your records are organized and accessible — not buried in a filing cabinet or on a system you cannot quickly search.
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. This most often happens when an animal loses its original tag and must be retagged. Keeping a simple spreadsheet or notebook log with tag numbers, application dates, and animal descriptions satisfies the basic requirement for most cow-calf operations.
Pro Tip: Electronic recordkeeping is strongly encouraged by USDA APHIS and the KDA. Using a smartphone app or farm management software to log tag numbers at application saves significant time when you need to produce records quickly for an animal health official.
For producers who also transport animals across state lines regularly, staying current on both identification and transport rules is essential. Review the transporting livestock laws in Arkansas if you ship to that state, and check our overview of livestock trailer requirements in Colorado if you move animals west. Producers in neighboring states shipping into Kansas should also review livestock trailer requirements in Wyoming and livestock trailer requirements in South Dakota for a complete picture of regional compliance.
If you have questions about a specific movement or need help determining whether your animals require official ID, contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health directly. For federal-level questions about the 840 RFID rule, the USDA APHIS Animal Disease Traceability page provides the most current guidance, approved manufacturer lists, and program updates.