The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

New rules regarding beef cattle identification begin on January 1, 2020. The new rules transition the use of metal tags to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The goal of the transition is to improve traceability of livestock in case of disease outbreaks.

Beginning January 1, 2023, beef cattle that move across state lines or that fall into specific categories will require RFID tags. Currently, feeder cattle and other animals that move directly to slaughter will not require the RFID tags.

Beef animals required to have RFID tags include beef animals that are sexually intact and 18...