Enroll in a Holstein Tag ID option today!
  Enroll in a Holstein
  Tag ID option today.
  Call Holstein Association's
  Customer Service
  at 800-952-5200.


   Tag ID involves using a combination of two approved identifiers, one of which must be a Maxi or Large ID Tag. The other identifier may be another ID Tag (Maxi, Large, Junior or Mini-Round). A combination of one Maxi or Large with an ear tattoo or freezebrand may also be used. One tag should be applied shortly after birth and the second tag (or identifier) is to be applied before the calf is six months old.
  Tag sizes and prices (pdf format)
     
  Preprinted Tags (Inventoried Tags)
Producers order a supply of preprinted tags that are inventoried at the farm so the tags are available to apply to newborn calves. The herd owner should order enough tags to last 6 months (a year for smaller herds) in the size and color they prefer with sequential herd management numbers (i.e. 1500 - 1999). Eight colors are available to select from. Yellow or white is recommended when the greatest readability is desired.
     
  Customized Holstein ID Tags
Another popular option is the Customized Holstein ID Tags. These tags provide for the printing of information specific to each calf (sire, dam, date of birth, etc.). In this option, the producer inventories one Holstein ID Tag (Maxi, Large, Junior, Mini-Round) for each calf that is applied at birth. The Customized Tag(s) are automatically ordered when the calf’s ID is submitted to the Holstein Association using the Electronic Application System
   
  One Tag Options
Using one Holstein ID Tag in one ear and tattooing the herd management number in the other ear, called Tag’N Tattoo (TNT), works well for some producers.

Also, one Holstein ID Tag may be used in combination with a freezebrand. With this option, Tag’N Freezebrand (TNF), the producer freeze brands the animal’s herd management number on its side.

The use of Radio Frequency ID Tags (RFID) and a Holstein ID Tag has been approved for breed registry and is recommended when these electronic tags are integrated with the on-farm dairy systems.