Livestock ID information for Beef, Swine, Sheep, and Meat Goats

1) Beef weigh-in/ID— There will be 3 options for beef ID:

  • 1. Weigh-in at fairgrounds on the 3" Saturday in April (April 18" in 2026) 9:00 AM — 11:00 AM

  • 2. State fair ID (Proof of ID needs to be submitted by June 1, 2026)

    3. Animal photo ID due to fair by the 3rd Saturday in April (postmarked) with acceptable form of ID showing on the photo. (April 18, 2026)

    2) Lambs and meat goats also have the same 3 options.

  • 1. Weigh-in at fairgrounds on 3rd Saturday in April (April 18 in 2026) 9:00 AM — 11:00 AM

  • 2. State fair ID (Proof of ID needs to be submitted by June 1, 2026)

  • 3. Animal photo ID due to fair by the 3rd Saturday in April (postmarked) with official ID showing on the photo. (April 18, 2026)

    3) Swine ID has only 2 options:

  • 1. State fair ID (Proof of ID need to be submitted by June 1, 2026)\

  • 2. Photo ID with ear tag, ear notches and gender showing or noted on the photo due to the fair by the third Saturday in April. (April 18, 2026) 4) Due dates for all 4 species will be the same—third Saturday in April (April 18, 2026)

    5) Exception granted if state fair ID process is being used, then it is due date for state fair ID.

  • 6) Please send the photo IDs of the animals to Marianne McMillan, fair secretary at information@columbiacountyfairwi.org

  • or W9124 Bilkie Rd, Poynette, WI 53955

  • Acceptable animal IDs:

  • 1) Beef—USDA metal ear tag, USDA “840” tags, breed association tattoo specific to that animal or regular ear tag (For steers originating from Wisconsin no official tag is needed, ie. the metal ear tag or a USDA “840” tag)

  • 2) Swine—USDA silver (metal) ear tag, USDA “840” tag, breed association tattoo if pig is purebred and tattoo is registered, ear tag with premises ID number and a unique identifier, ear notch if the pig is purebred and the notch is registered. Microchips are not accepted as official ID for any swine.

  • 3) Lamb—Scrapie eartags, USDA “840” ear tags, legible breed tattoos, legible scrapies tattoos, approved microchips (these have many requirements that need to be met) (Need an official ID type listed)

  • 4) Meat goat—Scrapie eartags, USDA “840” ear tags, legible breed tattoos, legible scrapies tattoos, approved microchips (these have many requirements that need to be met) (Need an official ID type listed) More information: (https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/OfficiallD.aspx) ***STILL SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT EID FOR ANIMALS INTRASTATE MOVEMENT WITHIN WISCONSIN. OFFICIAL ID FOR CATTLE AND BISON ARE EID (BOTH VISUAL & ELECTRONIC)