By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is actively supporting the adoption of 840 radio frequency identification (RFID) tags as the official identification for cattle and bison nationwide. As part of this initiative, the USDA is offering cattlemen and veterinarians free access to 840 RFID tags. In Ohio, both the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and the Ohio Department of Agriculture have been authorized to distribute these tags at no cost, while supplies last.
These RFID tags are suitable for use in both breeding and market cattle. Available options include white “840” button tags and orange “840” calfhood vaccination (OCV) button tags, all of which operate on low frequency. Veterinarians are eligible to receive both white and orange tags, whereas cattle producers are limited to obtaining the white 840 tags.
To order these complimentary RFID tags, a Premises Identification Number (PIN) is mandatory. You can acquire a PIN by scanning the QR code in the linked fact sheet, granting access to PIN registration on the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) website. Alternatively, you can reach out to them at 614-728-6220.
For inquiries or to request free RFID tags, please contact Tiffany at the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association office (614-873-6736) or the Ohio Department of Agriculture-Division of Animal Health at 614-728-6220.
Photo Credit: ohio-cattlemen-s-association
Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle