A price differential of 40p to 50p exits on cattle tags, depending on ear tag manufacturer and supplier.

Based on price quotes obtained this week, Allflex tags came in the cheapest when bought through Fane Valley.

For a minimum order of 50 tags, a large flag and button combination costs £4.30 plus VAT. Applicators can be supplied to new customers on purchases of 50 sets or more.

Farmers ordering up to 100 tags can avail of a 15p discount, which leaves with sets costing £4.15 plus VAT. Replacement tags cost £3.34/set when collected in store, or £3.60 if posted.

Caisley tags supplied through Countryside Services cost approximately £4.80 plus VAT for an order of 50 sets, consisting of one flag and button tag. Two flags cost £4.70/set and applicators can be supplied with bulk purchases. Orders of 100 tags will see a saving of 20p per set.

With the manufacturer claiming up to 99% retention, farmers should require fewer replacements, which cost around £3.25/set, and are posted free of charge. Countryside Services also now has its own BVD testing lab on site, so farmers can leave in samples rather than posting them off.

Elsewhere, QuickTag are priced around £4.59 plus VAT for a flag and button combination, with an additional 20p charge for a set of two flags.

Sheep tags typically range from 75p to 95p depending on the type and number of tags ordered. An order of over 250 tags will save between 3p to 5p per unit, compared to an order between 100 and 250 tags.

While all the prices outlined are based on actual quotes, there is scope to negotiate with tag suppliers on price, depending on payment and quantity required.

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