Herd management programs and data collection solutions are being advanced by various sectors of the beef industry today. And, while more of a good thing might be better than less, it can also lead to confusion and uncertainty when attempting to navigate its extreme boundaries.

On Jan. 18, USDA-APHIS announced a proposed rule to amend animal disease traceability regulations. The public comment period regarding the proposal is open through March 22, 2023. If the proposal becomes law, official USDA tags would be defined as those that are both visually and electronically readable.  

Ranchers have used eartags for several decades. Tags packed with innovative technology may provide locations of cattle or notify operators when animals are reaching estrus or becoming ill.