Beehive State News

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) and the Wyoming Livestock Board have reached an agreement allowing cattle brands to serve as official identification for cattle moving between Utah and Wyoming. This decision responds to changes in official identification requirements by the USDA.

Leann Hunting, UDAF Animal Industry Director, stated, “We have a large number of cattle that move between Utah and Wyoming each year. This agreement has been made to lessen the burden placed on the many livestock producers who move cattle between our two states.”

Federal law mandates official identification for dairy cattle, cattle attending shows, exhibitions, rodeos, or recreational events, and sexually intact beef cattle over 18 months old. Official identification helps state animal health officials trace exposed animals during disease outbreaks.

Under federal regulations, brands can be used as sole identification if they are registered with the state, there is an agreement like this one between the states involved, and animals are accompanied by a brand inspection certificate.

Cattle requiring official identification transported to states without this brand agreement must use one of these forms: an official individual identification tag such as an “840” RFID tag or metal tag placed before November 5, 2024; a registration tattoo accepted by the destination state; or a group/lot identification number when permitted.

This agreement does not alter import requirements for Utah or Wyoming. Producers should verify import requirements before moving livestock.

For questions about this agreement or other identification requirements, contact the State Veterinarian's office at [email protected] for Utah or [email protected] for Wyoming.

A virtual informational meeting will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 9:00 am for producers. Media partners interested in attending may contact Bailee Woolstenhulme for access to the meeting link.