Regarding the introduction of the new ear tag numbering system, there will be virtually no impact on farmers, as they will continue using ear tags in the same way as they do currently.
There is no requirement to remove or replace existing ear tags. The change is solely to the numbering format. The current allocation of unique identification numbers is nearing capacity, and an additional digit has therefore been added to the ear tag number. This expansion will provide several million additional unique identification numbers, ensuring the continued identification and traceability of cattle for many years to come.
Farmers will notice the change later this year when purchasing new ear tags. The new ear tags will contain a nine-digit unique identification number instead of the current format. Apart from this additional digit, there are no changes to the way ear tags are applied, recorded or managed
There is no requirement to remove or replace existing ear tags. The change is solely to the numbering format. The current allocation of unique identification numbers is nearing capacity, and an additional digit has therefore been added to the ear tag number. This expansion will provide several million additional unique identification numbers, ensuring the continued identification and traceability of cattle for many years to come.
Farmers will notice the change later this year when purchasing new ear tags. The new ear tags will contain a nine-digit unique identification number instead of the current format. Apart from this additional digit, there are no changes to the way ear tags are applied, recorded or managed