Kansas 4-H tagging ends soon

By Scout Nelson

As the December 15 deadline nears, Kansas 4-H members are reminded to order their Beef Electronic Identification (EID) tags. These tags are essential for cattle participating in the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and the Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS).

To complete an order, members must submit a fully filled and signed beef EID tag order form along with the appropriate payment. Checks should be made payable to Kansas State University. It is also recommended to email a copy of the order form to the KSU Youth Livestock Program for confirmation before mailing the original document.

The EID tags are expected to be ready for distribution by February 1. These tags play a crucial role in the identification and management of market beef and commercial heifer projects. For animals that already have an 840 EID tag from a previous purchase or county tagging, an alternative tagging process is available. However, it is important to ensure that each animal only has one official EID tag, which must not be removed.

In addition to beef tags, the deadline for ordering small livestock EID tags is January 15. Extension units can simplify the process by paying for all tags with a single check, including both beef and small livestock tags, if submitted by the December 15 deadline.

Detailed order forms and additional information about the livestock project tagging requirements can be found on the Youth Livestock Program website under the EID tags section. This page also includes a weekly updated summary of orders received to help track submissions.

This tagging system is vital for maintaining the integrity of livestock competitions and ensuring fair play among participants. By meeting the December deadline, 4-H members ensure their livestock are properly registered and eligible for participation in key competitive events.

Photo Credit:4-H