By Rachael Oliver, RAAA assistant director of commercial marketing

As members of RAAA, did you know our value-added department carries two types of EIDs? We offer manufacturer stock EIDs (982 or 988) and the official USDA 840 EIDs.

For many years now, our value-added team has been diligent in providing Red Angus producers with the option of using 982/988 or 840 EID tags. But what is the difference between the two tags? The 982/988 EID tags are designed exactly the same as an 840, the only difference is it does not have a premises ID attached to it, and is limited in their purpose. They are designed to only be used in your operation. They can still be used for data collection and management but are only tied to your ranch.

The 840 EIDs are USDA’s officially recognized EID tag. They have a premises ID attached to it and qualifies for export. So, if you send an animal to Canada, that animal must have an 840 EID in its ear to qualify for export. The 840 is also what all Bangs tags will transition over to in every state. Like the 982/988, 840 EIDs are used for data collection but can be used throughout the lifespan of that tagged animal. No matter which EID you choose to enroll your cattle in our FCCP or Allied Access program, they are the same price of $2.20/tag.

When discussing the difference of EIDs with ranchers, many are worried about the premises ID. A premises ID is a sequence of numbers attached to your physical address. The USDA does not have access to anything else concerning your private information. Think of it as like a brand on your cattle. Each brand used is registered through the state, which is then shared with USDA on the federal level. Your brand has your name and physical address associated with it, so it is the exact same information shared as an EID, the only difference is it is quicker to track down as that animal is passed along different owners or segments of the beef industry.

As you start thinking about where you are marketing your calves this year and begin your enrollment process in our Red Angus programs, talk with Jeananne and Lauren on our value-added team and consider implementing EIDs in your operation. To order tags, call 940-477-4593.