Overview
The USDA's final Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) rule, published on May 9, 2024, requires that all official ear tags for cattle sold or applied starting November 5, 2024, must be both visually and electronically readable. This rule applies to sexually intact cattle 18 months and older, all dairy cattle (including dairy-beef crosses), and all rodeo/exhibition cattle moving interstate. Exemptions include beef feeder cattle under 18 months, direct-to-slaughter cattle, and cattle not moving interstate.