A number of changes to tagging procedures, including the introduction of electronic identification (EID) cattle tags and the start of the Bovine Genetics Project, are planned for the second half of 2026.

The revisions, when implemented, will change current tagging practices and farmers interested in the new initiatives would be wise to limit orders of new cattle tags to what is likely needed rather than having surplus tags on hand.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is proposing to make bovine EID tags available for use on newborn calves from July 2026.

The use of EID tags is set to be extended beyond voluntary use with mandatory EID tagging for all newborn calves targeted from late 2027.

Another significant change is the planned introduction of the Bovine Genetics Project in September 2026. Animals entered to the project will be required to be DNA tagged.

While it is likely that supplementary tissue tags can be used with existing tags the project is likely to herald the introduction of double tissue tags (DNA and BVD).

There is no certainty around start times but farmers interested in either of these initiatives and ordering tags would be wise to be cautious in the number of tags they order.