RFID Tags To Take Affect In Washington Next Month

Starting in October, several changes are coming to the Washington cattle industry, including new rules for selling cattle in the state, an increase in fees, and most notably the migration to USDA approved Radio Frequency Identification Tags, better known as RFIDs.  Capital Press reports ranchers who use the “840” tags, will be able to report sales online to the state Department of Agriculture.  840 is a three digit international code identifying the U.S.  The hope is the convenience will motivate more cattlemen to use the tag.

The 840 tags allow animal-health officials to track a cow from birth to slaughter.  The USDA intends to make 840 tags mandatory by 2023.  The federal agency says tracking every cow will limit crippling trade sanctions if a livestock disease breaks out.  The 840 tags and online reporting will be voluntary, for now.

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