December 8, 2020
2021 Kansas 4-H Livestock EID Tag Orders
As we enter 2021, it is also time to order Kansas 4-H EID livestock tags. Over the last couple of years, we have transitioned the tag ordering and distribution process to campus, with the retirement of Dave Kehler. The mailing address and deadlines may be found on the top of the order forms. Beef tag orders will be due Thursday, December 31, 2020, with Friday, January 29, 2021 being the deadline to order small livestock tags. An email with information regarding tag orders was distributed to the agent listserv on December 1. Several important EID tag resources may also be found on the K-State Youth Livestock Program website, https://www.asi.k-state.edu/research-and-extension/youth-programs/kansas-4-h-eid-tags.html. The resources include the order forms, tag application instructions, applicator configuration, best practices for tag retention, and information on utilizing eID technology at the local level. Please make sure the person responsible for ordering and managing the livestock tags in your office is aware and receives this information.
Counties/units who plan to order beef tags this year are encouraged to do so at their earliest convenience. Tag orders received after the listed deadline will be considered a special order, and there may be a delay in getting those tags delivered. It is a 5-6 week turnaround from the time orders are received until the tags arrive on campus. Payment must accompany the tag order form for it to be accepted and completed.
State accepted tags – there has been no change in the 4-H/EID tags that will be accepted for nomination to the Kansas Junior Livestock show and the Kansas State Fair, with the exception of a new meat goat tag option. Due to some concerns with the previous ribbon tag, we have worked diligently with Allflex to provide another option. The visual (male) portion of the tag is a small round piece, but you will be able to use the same red total tagger. Please keep in mind this is a pilot year and currently the best alternative we have available. Tag retention is a concern, due to the shape, but the stem is slightly longer than the ribbon tag, which is what has been requested. We will be following up with counties who use this option to decide how to move forward in the future. Both types of tags will be accepted in state nominated animals (ribbon tags and new round tags).
You can see pictures of these tags on the K-State Youth Livestock Program website. Livestock projects must be tagged by the appropriate deadline with a Kansas 4-H EID tag to be eligible for nomination and to exhibit at the Kansas State Fair and/or KJLS.
Utilization of EID Technology – Extension units who would like to begin using the EID technology locally, or have questions about the technology, should contact Dave Kehler directly. He will continue to be the go-to person for EID technology-related questions and information. He may be reached at dkehler@ksu.edu or 316-377-9470.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT TAG USE:
It is important that counties/units use their oldest tags first. We have reached the point that we are repeating the 4-H visual ID tag numbers. This will make some of the older tags (issued in 2010-2012, 2014-swine only) not eligible for state nominations. Also, Extension agents and staff need to remember that these are EID tags, and specifically the beef and swine tags are 840s. So, each Extension unit will need to keep an accurate record of the animals/families in which each tag is applied, per the acknowledgement signature on the tag order form. Only Kansas 4-H 840 EID tags will be accepted in cattle and swine, with 982 tags being used in sheep and goats. If you have old cattle 982 tags, please refrain from using them in state nominated animals.
Tag Order Form Mailing Address:
KSU Youth Livestock Program
c/o Lexie Hayes
214 Weber Hall
1424 Claflin Road
Manhattan, KS 66506