Kansas State University

Handling EID Tags

Submitted by Kelsey Nordyke

The purpose of Kansas 4-H is positive youth development whereas the livestock projects serve as learning opportunities. As a part of the project learning experience members will own, and care for their livestock. As a result of their learning members will have a greater knowledge of producing quality livestock and meat products. A requirement for 4-H/FFA members who wish to exhibit at the Kansas State Fair and/or the Kansas Junior Livestock Show is to properly identify and nominate their livestock animals.

We as Kansas 4-H and Kansas FFA have a responsibility to safeguard and maintain the trustworthiness and fairness for members who want to exhibit at the Kansas State Fair and/or Kansas Junior Livestock Show. Consequently, as agents and instructors, it is important to educate proper husbandry skills that include identifying livestock correctly with EID tags and completing the nomination process for youth wanting to show at these state contests. Although, if KSRE and FFA representatives do not follow the standard protocols, the youth members may be denied entry to exhibit and/or lose privileges for available premiums or scholarships.

To verify that a livestock animal is correctly nominated, the County Extension Agent, or FFA Advisor is required to approve nominations in the online system based on the following statement. “I have visually seen the tag in the ear of the below listed animal(s) on or before May 1 or June 15 and I verify that these exhibitors are listed as official 4-H/FFA members, who have paid their program fees or dues.”

PROTOCOL for PROPER TAGGING
Order Tags:

• Both the Kansas State Fair and Kansas Junior Livestock Show ONLY accept Kansas 4-H EID tags.
• EID tags are available for purchase through www.youthlivestock.ksu.edu. For additional information and/or questions regarding tagging or nominating livestock contact the Youth Livestock Coordinator.
• EID tags are issued and tracked by county.

Tagging:

• Each County/District must maintain possession and be accountable for all EID tags at all times.
• Counties/Districts will designate the “official” representative(s) (Extension Agent, FFA Advisor) for EID tags, tagging procedures, and nomination questions.
• It is unlawful to remove Kansas 4-H EID tags once placed in an animal(s) ear.
• Kansas 4-H EID tags must be placed in the animal’s left ear.
• Counties/Districts can set their own price for tags.
• EID tags should never be sold over the counter to members or others to be tagged later.
• If an animal already has an 840 EID tag at the time of tagging, the agent or FFA advisor should contact the Youth Livestock Program for guidance. Animals may not have two 840 identifiers, including EID tags.
• Extension Agent, FFA Advisor and/or designated volunteer (approved through local Extension Executive Board) MUST tag each animal(s) or be witness to the animal(s) being tagged.
• An agent or advisor must approve the State Nomination in the online system and may request to view the Declaration of Housing Form submitted by the family. If official agent, advisor or designee did not tag the animal or see it in the animal(s) ear, they should not approve the nomination.
• State Nomination submissions only allow for approval from the Official representative; Extension Agents should approve nominations for 4-H members and FFA Advisors need to approve nominations for youth exhibiting as FFA members.

Official Designee:

• Selected and approved by the local Extension Executive Board.
• Designee must follow the 4-H Livestock Identification Procedures, Kansas 4-H and K-State Research and Extension Policies.
• Possible individuals that may serve in this capacity include Livestock Superintendent and/or project leader.