RFID Aids Traceability

Technology and traceability enhancements demonstrate to Canadian consumers and world markets a commitment to the health of Canadian cattle and the safety of its livestock production.

RFID Technology

In Canada, the transition to Radio Frequency IDentification officially began January 2004.

Electronic ID provides the basis for automated data collection on individual animals. A passive application requiring no battery, it lasts the life of an animal.

RFID eliminates the need for line of sight reading necessary with barcode systems. The signal penetrates through body tissue, wood, plastic, mud, manure, and more.

New National Guidelines

1. Commencing January 2008, all cattle must be RFID tagged to move anywhere. This means livestock (other than dairy and bison) tagged with panel bar-codes only will lose their national recognition to move (delisted).

Dairy and bison tags with bar codes issued prior to January 2004 are grandfathered and are to be accepted by sales barns, abattoirs, etc. However, owners may opt to upgrade tags so that all animals on the move carry an RFID component to avoid delays and to meet expectations of both receivers and enforcement personnel.

Owners may opt to upgrade tags so that all animals on the move carry an RFID component to avoid delays and to meet expectations of both receivers and enforcement personnel.

2. The national logo is being incorporated onto all component tag parts—rather than just the front. This will allow for convenient recognition of national status from both the front and rear of the ear, by all people handling animals and enforcing national regulations.

3. Dairy security panel tags will no longer be issued with bar codes as part of calf tag sets. This creates usable space to write in helpful management details.

RFID Reader Program

Last June, the government announced $1.8 million for the Canadian Radio Frequency IDentification Reader Program. Its intent is the improvement of tracking and tracing of cattle beyond the farm gate using radio frequency identification reader technology.