Livestock Tracked, Fairgrounds Tagged: New IDs Approved for Animals

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 10.

Livestock Tracking

Lacey Baumgart, extension educator, explained the Premise ID system for livestock tracking. The Board of Animal Health and the USDA would assign a unique identification number to farms, ranches, and locations that house animals.

The primary purpose is to track animals in case of disease outbreaks. For shows and exhibition, having a Premise ID allows participants to use electronic identification devices like RFID wands to scan animal tags.

Currently, cattle born after a certain date must have RFID tags, and pigs have their own electronic tags. Sheep use a different identification method. The tags help trace an animal’s origin and movement if a health issue arises.

The 4-H and Ag Society requested permission from the county to pursue a Premise ID for the fairgrounds. After some discussion about the requirements, the county board voted to approve the request, acknowledging that farmers are already required to comply with these tracking regulations....

Subscribe to get the rest of the story...