The Texas Animal Health Commission is urging all Texas farmers and ranchers who plan on selling adult beef cattle in the state this year to make sure their cattle are tagged before heading to sale.

The TAHC reinstated its tagging rule Jan. 1, requiring that all beef cattle of breeding age bear an official, permanent form of identification at change of ownership.

The requirement includes beef cattle sold for slaughter, unless they are moved directly from a premise to slaughter.

“Dr. Ellis indicates that if cattle are already properly tagged, they don’t have to be retagged to be in compliance with the regulation,” Calhoun said.

The rule does not apply to dairy cattle as that industry already has its own rules and standards that are stricter than those set forth by the TAHC.

A full listing of tag providers and approved forms of cattle identification can be found at www.tahc.state.tx.us.