Holstein Association Encouraging Owners To Transition to RFIDs

Ask Holstein owners, they will tell you when it comes to data, performance information and pedigrees, no other animal can compete with the U.S. Registered Holstein.  A powerful database of genetic information has fueled progress for generations.  And it all relies on a tag; proper identification at birth.

“Everything we do with the Holstein Association USA is based on that first step of identifying an animal," said Jodi Hoynoski, executive director of Holstein identification and Member Services at USRH.  "Accurate identification is really important to making all of the value-added products and services we offer more meaningful."

Hoynoski added that even though USDA has withdrawn its timeline for RFID requirements, it’s still an important consideration for dairy producers.

“A lot of our members have already embraced RFID technology on the farm. For others, I think it's going to be a transition that makes sense for them. If they're marketing or selling cattle, anything moving interstate, RFID tagging at birth makes that process actually much simpler and smoother.”

She noted it’s also part of a larger picture of animal traceability and disease monitoring.

“Traceability is really important for a lot of reasons. I think number one, primarily for animal health and ensuring if there were ever an animal disease emergency, traceability is so important that we can do that quickly to ensure the safety of our food supply.”

“I think anyone involved in Registered Holsteins, if they're making the most of their investment, are going to sell an animal at some point or market their animals," Hoynoski continued.  "By implementing an RFID ear tag at birth, it really takes some headaches in that process of when you go to sell that animal and write up the health certificate, you don't have to add any additional tags. She's ready to go. And you can rest easy knowing that any animal in your barn is ready to sell.”

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