  No-Cost RFID Eartags and Readers Available for Swine
RFID Readers Available for Fairs
Funding remains available for swine exhibition sites, including fairs and other swine shows, to apply for up to four (4) handheld RFID tag readers. Readers are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the National Pork Board.
For information about RFID Tag Readers for Swine Exhibitions and Extension Programs, visit the Pork Checkoff website. Contact Brent Pepin at bpepin@pork.org to apply or with questions. You will need to provide your valid premises ID.
RFID Eartags Available for Fairs – For Use in Swine Only
Fairs and shows with swine for exhibition can now order 840 RFID (radio frequency identification) eartags at www.840swinetags.com—at no cost. Tags are shipped directly from Merck Animal Health. Tags are available while supplies last. Order your tags for next fair season now to ensure you have tags available when you need them.
These tags are for use in swine only.
Fairs need:
- Your valid premises ID
- Shipping information
- Contact information
- Estimated number of pigs expected at show(s)
- Number of tags
If you require assistance locating your premises ID, please contact the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) at 888-808-1910 or visit wiid.org.
Note: RFID tags must be applied using a compatible tag applicator, which is not provided through this program.
About the Swine Identification Initiative
Originally announced in August 2025, this initiative—modeled after the successful no-cost RFID cattle tag program—aims to strengthen national swine disease traceability. While traceability does not prevent disease, it significantly reduces the time needed to respond to outbreaks, helping to limit the number of affected farms and animals. This, in turn, minimizes economic impacts on producers and their communities.
For full program details—including eligibility, ordering instructions, and tag quantity guidelines—visit Swine Identification.
Access the RFID Tag and Distribution Equipment Program resource (page 3) from Pork Checkoff.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Division of Animal Health
https://datcp.wi.gov
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