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

If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, or other livestock in New Hampshire, official ear tag requirements affect nearly every animal that leaves your premises. Federal rules tightened significantly in November 2024, and New Hampshire producers who move animals across state lines — or even sell locally through certain channels — need to understand exactly what tags are required, when to apply them, and how long to keep records.

This guide walks you through the current rules at both the federal and state level, covering which species need official identification, how the 840 RFID standard works, where to get approved tags in New Hampshire, and what paperwork you must maintain. Whether you run a small hobby farm or a commercial operation, getting identification right protects your herd, your business, and your ability to sell and move animals freely.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in New Hampshire

Not every animal on your farm needs an official government-issued ear tag, but several species do under federal and state rules. The key trigger for official identification is movement — specifically, when an animal leaves your premises for interstate commerce, changes ownership, or enters certain regulated channels.

Under federal animal disease traceability regulations governed by 9 CFR Part 86, the following categories of cattle and bison must carry official identification for interstate movement:

• Sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months of age or older
• All dairy cattle of any age, including dairy-beef cross calves
• Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events
• Cattle and bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions
• Animals required to be officially identified under any federal disease program, such as brucellosis or tuberculosis testing

The November 2024 rule did not add new classes of livestock to official ID requirements — it only changed the tag technology required. The covered classes remain sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or over, all dairy cattle of any age, and cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, recreational events, shows, or exhibitions.

For sheep and goats, USDA runs a mandatory identification program under the National Scrapie Eradication Program. Covered animals include all sheep over 18 months of age; sexually intact sheep under 18 months sold for breeding or exhibition; sheep sold unrestricted or not in slaughter channels; sheep that have lambed or are pregnant; and sexually intact goats not in slaughter channels of any age that do not meet the requirements to be considered low-risk commercial goats.

For camelids (llamas, alpacas) entering New Hampshire, permanent official identification of each animal must be made by metal ear tag, legible tattoo, or microchip if a microchip reader is available at the point of destination.

Pro Tip: Beef feeder cattle under 18 months of age moving intrastate are generally exempt from the federal RFID requirement, but always confirm with the NH Division of Animal Industry before moving any animals, as destination states may impose stricter rules.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

The most significant shift in livestock identification in decades took effect on November 5, 2024. A USDA rule requiring newly applied cattle and bison official ID tags to have both a visual and electronic component went into effect on that date. As of that rule, the only official tags that meet these requirements are 840 RFID tags.

USDA APHIS amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that eartags applied on or after 180 days after publication of the final rule in the Federal Register be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized as official eartags for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations. The rule was effective November 5, 2024.

If your animals already carry older tags, you may not need to retag them. 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.

This requirement applies to official identification placed for any reason, including interstate movement, brucellosis vaccination, and tuberculosis testing. The rule is specifically about cattle and bison — sheep, goats, swine, and other species have their own separate identification frameworks that were not changed by the November 2024 rule.

The purpose of this rule is to improve livestock traceability. Electronic identification tags and systems provide advantages over traditional metal tags, including faster information sharing, more accurate and precise identification of animals, and significantly faster record searches during disease outbreaks.

Important Note: The 900-series tags do not fulfill the requirements of the 2024 rule. The only EID technology approved by APHIS is an 840 tag. 900 series tags do not fulfill the requirements of this rule because they are not approved as an official means of identification for interstate movement.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in New Hampshire

The 840 RFID tag is the standard official identification device for cattle and bison under the current federal framework, and New Hampshire producers must use USDA-approved versions of these tags when official ID is required. Understanding what makes a tag “official” helps you avoid compliance mistakes at livestock markets or state lines.

Official EID tags are USDA-approved tags that have a visible 15-digit number starting with 840 printed on them that matches the electronic chip inside the tag, are stamped with the US shield, and say “unlawful to remove.”

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.

Before you can purchase official 840 tags, you need a Premises Identification Number (PIN). Your premises identification number is required to order. To get a PIN for your New Hampshire farm, contact the NH Division of Animal Industry at the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food in Concord at 603-271-2404, or reach out through the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food.

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. Many state veterinarian offices distribute free 840 RFID tags to producers, but supply has been uneven. Contact the NH Division of Animal Industry to ask about current tag availability before purchasing commercially.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in New Hampshire

Each species follows its own identification framework. The November 2024 RFID mandate applies only to cattle and bison — other livestock in New Hampshire operate under different federal and state programs.

Cattle and Bison: As covered above, all covered classes must carry an official 840 RFID ear tag for interstate movement as of November 5, 2024. Cattle tagged with visual-only official tags prior to November 5, 2024, do not need to be retagged unless they lose their ID.

Sheep and Goats: Sheep and goats fall under the National Scrapie Eradication Program administered by USDA APHIS. All sheep and goats must have official ID when moving off their premises of origin. The scrapie program uses flock ID tags, serial tags, and 840 RFID tags — not the same cattle-specific RFID mandate. Do not use cattle RFID tags on small ruminants. These animals have their own RFID tags. For New Hampshire sheep and goat producers, the NH 4-H and UNH Extension programs confirm that animals must have an ear tag or ear tattoo and an official Scrapie ID tag in their ear. For questions about scrapie ID tags in New Hampshire, contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food at 603-271-3551.

Swine: Swine moving interstate for feeding or slaughter use a premises identification (PIN) tag system rather than the 840 RFID system required for cattle. Contact the NH Division of Animal Industry for current intrastate swine movement rules, as requirements may vary by destination state.

Camelids (Llamas and Alpacas): Camelidae 6 months of age or older must have permanent official identification made by metal ear tag, legible tattoo, or microchip if a microchip reader is available at the point of destination. New Hampshire rules under Agr 2100 require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for camelids entering the state.

Equine: Horses, mules, and donkeys moving interstate generally require a CVI and health certificate. Physical description is an accepted form of identification for equines under NH rules, though a CVI is still required. Forms of identification include but are not limited to ear tags, brands, bands, tattoos, microchips, and physical description of natural or acquired markings unique to an individual animal. Physical description is only an acceptable means of identification for dogs, cats, and equines.

Pro Tip: If you move livestock regularly across the Vermont, Maine, or Massachusetts borders, always verify the destination state’s requirements before loading. “If animals are crossing state lines and an official ID is required, then all parties involved are responsible for the animals and need to know the requirements of the state of destination.”

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in New Hampshire

New Hampshire producers have several options for obtaining official ear tags, depending on the species and tag type needed.

For Cattle and Bison (840 RFID Tags): 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. You can also check with the NH Division of Animal Industry about any state-distributed free tags available through USDA traceability funding. Your accredited veterinarian is another source — federal and state animal health officials and accredited veterinarians distribute official tags, and distribution directly to producers from accredited veterinarians or state animal health officials is optional and determined by the state.

For Sheep and Goats (Scrapie Tags): To request official sheep and goat tags, a flock or premises ID, or both, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824). Flock owners may request free official flock ID tags by calling the same number or may purchase official flock ID or “840” sheep and goat tags from an approved tag manufacturer. Approved manufacturers include Allflex USA, Shearwell Data USA, Premier 1 Supplies, and National Band & Tag Company, among others listed on the USDA APHIS Scrapie Tag page.

Approved Tag Manufacturers (All Species): As of October 2024, approved manufacturers on the USDA website include: All Data Tags LLC, Allflex USA, Inc., AniTrace, Inc., Datamars Inc. (including Temple Tags and Zee Tags), Digital Angel Corp., Eriginate Corp., Global Animal Mgmt., Leader Products, Shearwell Data Ltd, and Y-Tex. Always verify you are purchasing RFID-capable 840 tags, not visual-only versions, for cattle and bison.

Species	Tag Type Required	Where to Order	Free Tags Available?
Cattle & Bison	Official 840 RFID (applied after Nov. 5, 2024)	Approved manufacturers, vet supply stores, state vet office	Limited supply through NH Division of Animal Industry
Sheep & Goats	Official scrapie flock ID, serial, or 840 RFID tag	1-866-USDA-TAG or approved manufacturers	Up to 100 free plastic tags for first-time participants
Swine	PIN premises tag (for interstate movement)	State animal health office or approved manufacturers	Contact NH Division of Animal Industry
Camelids	Metal ear tag, tattoo, or microchip	Veterinarian or approved supplier	No federal free-tag program

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in New Hampshire

Applying ear tags correctly the first time reduces tag loss, prevents the need for retagging, and keeps your animals compliant before they ever leave the farm. Timing and placement both matter.

When to Tag: Apply the official tag well before movement — at processing, preconditioning, or prior to sale or shipment — to avoid delays. Do not wait until the morning of transport. If an animal arrives at a livestock market without official ID, those required to have a tag based on the ruling can attain one at an official tagging site. All approved livestock markets are also approved tagging sites. However, tagging at the market adds time and cost, so tagging on-farm is always the better approach.

Placement: Place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two cartilage ribs, and avoid blood vessels. Follow brand-specific instructions.

Hygiene and Retention: Clean the applicator and ear before tagging. Ensure firm closure and check retention before animals leave the chute. A lost tag on a covered animal means you must retag and update your records with both the old and new tag numbers.

Applicator Tools: For those using APHIS-provided sheep and goat tags, you will need to purchase a compatible applicator. Plastic Shearwell tags require the V6 Sheep SET Tag Applicator. For cattle 840 tags, use the applicator specified by your tag manufacturer — mixing applicators across brands can result in poor tag retention.

Lost Tags: If an animal loses its official tag, retag it promptly with a new official tag and record both the original tag number (if known) and the replacement tag number in your herd records. 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.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in New Hampshire

Moving livestock out of New Hampshire — or bringing animals in from other states — triggers the most stringent identification requirements. Official ID is just one part of the documentation package needed for legal interstate movement.

For cattle and bison, official 840 RFID tags are required for all covered classes crossing state lines. These animals should also have an accompanying certificate of veterinary inspection or owner shipper statement. The Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) must be issued by an accredited veterinarian in the state of origin.

New Hampshire’s administrative rules under Agr 2100 specify additional requirements for animals entering the state. For cattle from states or Canadian provinces without tuberculosis-accredited free status, a person may import calves under 6 months of age from negative herds under supervision testing within one year without a test if properly identified with either a metal eartag, legible tattoo, or microchip, as progeny of a tuberculin-tested dam.

For camelids entering New Hampshire, camelidae 6 months of age or older must have been brucellosis-tested negative within 30 days and tuberculosis-tested negative within 60 days of shipment, and permanent official identification of each animal must be made by metal ear tag, legible tattoo, or microchip if a microchip reader is available at the point of destination.

There are some exceptions to the interstate RFID rule for cattle. Exceptions include cattle moved as a commuter herd with a commuter herd agreement between states or tribes. Beef feeder cattle under 18 months moving directly to a feedlot in another state may also qualify for exemptions, but this depends on both the origin and destination state rules.

If you are also hauling your own livestock, New Hampshire producers should be familiar with trailer regulations. See our guides on livestock trailer requirements in Pennsylvania and livestock trailer requirements in Vermont if you regularly cross into neighboring states. For other common destination states, review livestock trailer requirements in Florida or livestock trailer requirements in Georgia before your next long haul.

Important Note: Always confirm the latest import, exhibition, and interstate movement rules for your destination. Receiving states and exhibition organizers may impose additional requirements beyond what federal rules require.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in New Hampshire

Tagging your animals is only half the compliance picture. Federal and state rules require producers to maintain written records tied to those tags — and those records must be available for inspection by state and federal animal health officials.

What Records to Keep for Cattle: Under 9 CFR Part 86, producers who move covered cattle interstate must maintain records that include the animal’s official ID number, the date of movement, the origin premises, and the destination. USDA APHIS clarified certain record retention and record access requirements as part of the November 2024 final rule. Retain these records for a minimum of five years, as federal animal disease traceability regulations require records to be available to support disease investigations.

What Records to Keep for Sheep and Goats: Anyone who applies official identification must maintain records. For detailed information, refer to the Scrapie Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, Part III.B.2. Producers are required to follow federal and state regulations for officially identifying their sheep and goats. Producers must also keep herd records showing what new animals were added and what animals left the herd or flock.

Retention Period: Records must be kept for five years after the animal is sold or otherwise disposed of. Producers should keep records in an electronic format, such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

Key Data Points to Record:

1. Animal’s official tag number (all 15 digits for 840 tags)
2. Species, breed, sex, and approximate age or date of birth
3. Date the official tag was applied
4. Your premises identification number (PIN)
5. Date of any interstate movement and destination premises PIN
6. Date and tag number of any replacement tag applied (if original was lost)
7. Date of sale or disposal and buyer’s name and premises ID

Animal disease traceability information is housed in official federal and state databases. Those databases are not publicly available — they exist solely to support rapid disease response. Your on-farm records are what connect your animals to that system, so accuracy matters.

New Hampshire producers can contact the USDA APHIS Animal Disease Traceability program for national ID and interstate movement guidance, or reach out to the NH Division of Animal Industry at the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food for state-specific questions. For other New Hampshire animal-related regulations, see our guides on rabies vaccine requirements for ferrets in New Hampshire and rabies vaccine requirements for cats in New Hampshire, or review the fishing license requirements in New Hampshire if your operation includes recreational activities on your land.

Staying current on ear tag rules protects your ability to sell, show, and move animals without delays or penalties. Keep your tags official, your records complete, and your premises ID on file — those three steps cover the vast majority of what New Hampshire livestock producers need to stay in compliance with both state and federal identification requirements.