Cattle Ear Tag FAQs & Livestock Identification Help

The Ritchey large ear tags are ideal for mature cattle, cows, bulls, and bison.  Medium ear tags are a perfect size for calves.  Small ear tags are designed for calves too, but can be used on other small livestock such as sheep and goats. Ribbon ear tags are also used by some on sheep and goats AND for double tagging cattle.

The easiest ear tag to read is usually one with strong contrast between the tag color and the identification. For example, a bright yellow tag with black identification provides excellent contrast and is easy to pick out in the herd.

Yellow with black identification has been Ritchey's longtime best-selling color combination, but other high-contrast combinations can also provide excellent visibility.  White/Black, Red/White, & Black/White also rank high.  When choosing a color, consider both readability and how you use color within your identification system—for example, to distinguish years, groups, ownership or management status.

Ultimately, the best color is one that gives you strong contrast and makes sense within your herd's identification system.

Never Fades™ tags are built for animals that need long-term identification. Their dual-colored construction allows identification to be permanently engraved into the tag, providing 15+ years of readability. They’re ideal for replacement heifers, cows, bulls and other animals expected to stay in the herd.

Utility Tags are Ritchey's write-on tags and are the practical choice for animals that don’t need lifetime identification. Designed for 1–3 years of readability, they’re a more economical option for calves, feeder cattle, sorting and other short-term identification needs.

Simple rule: If the animal may be around for years, choose Never Fades™. If the identification only needs to last a few years, choose Utility Tags/write-on.

Yes. While Ritchey ear tags are most commonly used for cattle, they can also be used to visually identify other livestock and animals when the tag size and application are appropriate. Customers use Ritchey tags for animals such as bison, sheep, goats, pigs and other livestock.

Choose a tag size that fits the animal and its intended use, and always consider species-specific tagging practices and identification requirements. Ritchey visual tags do not replace official identification when a government-approved form of identification is required.

Ritchey tags are also used beyond livestock. Their durable construction and long-lasting identification make them useful for equipment labeling, outdoor asset identification and other applications where identification needs to remain readable in tough outdoor conditions.

We recommend using the animal ID number, birth year, and sire or dam initials. Some producers include ranch name, logo, or management numbers to improve traceability.

Never Fades™ identification is engraved into the tag rather than printed or marked on its surface. Each tag is made with two contrasting colors of material permanently bonded together. When the outer layer is engraved away, the contrasting inner color is revealed to create the number, letter or design.

Because the identification comes from the tag itself—not ink, foil or another surface marking—there is nothing printed on the surface to fade or rub off. The result is high-contrast identification designed to remain readable for 15+ years.

Yes.  We offer sets of both large and medium pre-engraved ear tags in our most popular colors.  Each set consists of 25 tags, example 1-25, 26-50, 51-75, etc.  Lead time on pre-engraved ear tags is 5 to 7 business days.  Large pre-engraved tags can be found HERE and medium pre-engraved tags can be found HERE. 

Yes.  While you are always welcome to order blank tags and permanently engrave them yourself, Ritchey can custom engrave your tags for you.  Choose which size/color of engravable ear tag you want and click on Customize Your Ear Tags to work with our online 3D tag design tool.  

The lead times for custom engraving can often reach 5 weeks.  If that's too long, we also have a list of partners who can custom engrave your tags for you.  Please find them HERE.

Absolutely!  You can send a PDF or jpeg file of your ranch's brand or logo to sales@ritcheytags.com and one of our Customer Success Associates will provide a proof for your approval.  You can also simply call 1 800 EAR TAGS for complete details on tag customization!

Absolutely! While it technically is possible to engrave completely through the ear tag, with a little practice, you'll be able to successfully engrave on both sides of the tag. In fact, many ranchers engrave custom information on both sides of the ear tag to help them manage their herd better. Engrave away friends!

If you can't find the template you're looking for on our 3D tag design tool here on this site, Ritchey has a full-time graphic designer who can help out.  Please feel free to reach out with your ideas at sales@ritcheytags.com. 

We implemented the 3D ear tag designer to provide you more power over what information to put on your livestock ID tags. In our first release we were able to cover 90% of normal use cases. Here is an instructional video on how to use it Ritchey 3D Tag Maker. If you're struggling with the new tool, can't figure out how to use it, or it doesn't provide you with the template you're looking for, just give us a call at 1-800-EAR-TAGS or email us at sales@ritcheytags.com. It's no problem at all. We're always happy to help you!

After applying the tag, make sure the button is fully locked into the tag and give it a gentle tug to confirm the connection. The tag should hang and swing freely (pendulate) on the button without pinching or bunching the ear tissue.

Also check that the tag is positioned in the middle third of the ear between the cartilage ribs of the ear—not through a rib, too close to the head, or too close to the tip.

Learn more HERE and HERE

We recommend the Ritchey Clover Button for the best fit and performance with Ritchey ear tags. The Clover Button was designed to work with the Ritchey tag grommet, and its unique shape helps reduce snagging behind the ear.

If you prefer a traditional round-style button, Ritchey also offers a Standard Button. 

Whichever button you choose, be sure to use the correct matching tool pin. 

Learn more about tool pins HERE.

Yes.  We do not force you to buy Ritchey Clover buttons for your Ritchey ear tags.  While we feel our buttons provide the best retention around, we understand you may have a favorite brand or have dozens of other buttons laying around your shop.  If not a Ritchey Clover button, we recommend our Standard button buttons for the best retention possible.  Don't forget the importance of the correct tool pin!  See here - Tale of the Tool Pins

The seemingly insignificant tool pin is actually critically important for successful tag insertion.  You must match the tool pin to the correct button. Only the Ritchey tool pin, available for sale HERE, can be used to install the Ritchey "Clover" button.  Using Y-Tex or Allflex tool pins with the Ritchey "Clover" button WILL lead to an insertion failure.  

Our Standard button requires the Standard Tool pin available for sale here.  

See this video for further explanation - Tool Pin Explanation

The short answer is technically yes.  Straight talk = we recommend you don't. A Y-Tex button is fantastic on a Y-Tex cattle tag.  However, we redesigned the grommet on our Ritchey ear tag to work best with the Ritchey "Clover" button. The Ritchey ear tag and Clover button make for the ultimate two-piece solution when paired together.

No. You usually do not need to buy a new ear tagger to install Ritchey ear tags. Ritchey tool pins can be installed in most common livestock ear taggers.

The important thing is not the brand of tagger—it's making sure the tool pin matches the button you're installing. Before tagging, check every applicator being used, including borrowed taggers or equipment being used by someone helping you.

How to prepare your tagger.

The importance of tool pins!

To help avoid things getting snagged behind a cow's ear, we highly recommend the Ritchey "Clover" button. However, if you want another option to consider, our top two picks for the Ritchey ear tag would be our Standard Button or an Allflex button. A Y-Tex button is not the best choice for a Ritchey cow tag.

Yes, BUT extreme cold can make ear tags and buttons stiffer and less flexible. Keep tags and buttons together and take the chill off before tagging. Avoid installing a warm button into a tag that has been sitting outside and is frozen.

Before releasing the animal, make sure the button has fully locked and the tag swings freely.

The first thing to check is the tool pin. Different button systems require different tool pins, and using the wrong pin can break the button tip or prevent the button from locking correctly. Ritchey Clover Buttons must always be installed with the Ritchey tool pin.

Also check that the button, tool pin and ear tag are properly aligned and free from damage. 

In cold weather, keep tags and buttons together at the same temperature. Try taking the chill off before tagging.  Frozen tags and soft, warm buttons can experience the most failures.  

Before releasing the animal, make sure the button is fully seated in the tag. Give the tag a gentle tug to confirm the connection and make sure the tag swings freely.

See this video for a detailed explanation on why - Tool Pin Explanation

Also Learn more HERE and HERE.

Ear tags can be lost for several reasons, including improper placement, snagging, an incomplete connection between the button and tag, or using the wrong tool pin for the button.

If you're seeing more than an occasional lost tag, look for a pattern. Start with when the cattle were tagged, when the tags were lost, tag placement, the button and tool-pin combination, applicator alignment, and what remains in the ear after the loss. Similar failures among cattle tagged during the same session often point toward equipment, placement or installation.

Also check the cattle's environment for potential snag points such as feeders, fencing, twine, brush, pipes or narrow gaps. Tags lost soon after application may point toward the tagging process, while losses occurring later may be more likely related to snagging or environmental factors.

The pattern usually tells you more than a single lost tag.

Learn more HERE.

A small amount of dried blood or light crusting shortly after tagging can occur, but increasing swelling, discharge, pain or tissue damage should not be ignored.

Check the tag for proper placement and make sure it is not pinching or binding the ear.  The tag might be inserted just a hair to close to the animal's head. If the problem is worsening, affects multiple animals, or you're concerned about the animal's health, contact your veterinarian for treatment guidance. If several animals are affected, pause tagging and look for a shared cause such as equipment, placement, sanitation or tagging conditions.

Learn more HERE. 

A properly installed two-piece ear tag should be able to swing freely on the button. 

If it is tight against the ear, check for bunched or pinched tissue, improper placement (it may be positioned too close to the head), or a button that has not seated correctly in the tag.

Don't ignore a tag that is binding against the ear. Correcting an installation problem early can help prevent irritation and other problems later.

Learn more HERE, HERE, and HERE. 

Don't automatically reuse an old ear tag hole. Scar tissue, stretching or damage around the old hole can affect healing and tag retention.

When replacing a lost tag, look for healthy tissue in the middle third of the ear between the cartilage ribs. Place the new tag in a fresh location, when possible, without getting too close to the head or extreme tip of the ear. The opposite ear is also an option if it better accommodates proper placement.

Learn more HERE and HERE. 

You sure can! Our Ritchey tags are made from a durable polyurethane material that can be beautifully marked with most laser engraving systems.  Many makers and ranchers across the U.S. and beyond use hobby or shop-grade lasers to create custom cattle ear tags, ID markers, or decorative pieces.

Because every laser setup is a little different, we always recommend testing on a spare tag first to dial in your look. You’ll get the best results once you find that perfect balance of power and speed for your particular machine.

No, Ritchey does not carry a stencil for engraving ear tags.  If you feel you need to, try using a marker or pen to write on your ear tag as a guideline for permanently engraving or grab mailbox painting stencils.

Great question — and one we hear all the time!

There are plenty of reliable hobby and professional laser brands out there,
including xTool, Glowforge, OMTech, Thunder, Epilog, and Boss. Most of
these systems can engrave polyurethane well when dialed in correctly.

In our experience, the type of laser and your settings matter more than the brand name. For a polyurethane cattle tag, a CO₂ laser engraver usually delivers the most consistent, high-contrast results.
CO₂ lasers interact cleanly with the material surface, giving you sharp
definition without excessive melting or haze.

Diode and fiber lasers can sometimes mark polyurethane, but they typically don’t achieve the same crisp contrast or even coverage that a CO₂ beam can produce.

When you’re comparing machines, we recommend focusing on:

• Laser type (CO₂ for best results)
• Wattage and build quality
• Customer support and service reputation
• Country of manufacture and warranty terms

A quick look at Google or YouTube reviews from other makers and ranchers can tell you a lot about real-world performance and reliability.

Ultimately, every laser behaves a little differently — beam focus, optics, software, and even humidity can change the outcome. The best approach is to start with a CO₂ system, run small test engravings on a spare tag, and fine-tune your power, speed, and focus until you find your sweet spot.

Your brand of laser matters less than your willingness to experiment — that’s where the magic happens.

Each laser model has its own personality, so there’s no one-size-fits-all recipe — and that’s part of the fun!

The perfect combination of power, speed, focus, and passes depends on your specific laser wattage and setup.

Here’s our best maker tip:

• Start with lower power and faster speed settings.
• Run a small test grid on a corner or spare ear tag.
• Adjust one setting at a time until you get the depth, contrast, and edge finish you want.

If your machine has air assist, keep it on low for cleaner engraving, and make sure your focus is spot-on.

Pro tip: A light pass often gives a sharp, dark mark without melting the edges.

Laser processing can produce fumes and particulates. Use appropriate fume extraction or ventilation, confirm the material is suitable for your laser, and follow your laser manufacturer's safety instructions.

And of course, wear appropriate eye protection and follow your laser
manufacturer’s safety guidelines.

Note: Laser settings and results can vary between machines, models, and materials. The information above is provided as general guidance for Ritchey ear tags. We recommend testing your own setup to achieve the best results for your equipment.

The bits that come packaged with a Dremel tool that has not been purchased from Ritchey do not include the 1/4″ High Speed Cutter bit, which is the bit we highly recommend and found works best for engraving on the Ritchey Dual-Colored cattle ear tags.

A visual ear tag lets you identify an animal simply by looking at the number, name, color or other information on the tag. An RFID (radio frequency identification device) or EID (electronic identification device) tag contains an electronic identification number that can be read with compatible equipment.

EID makes electronic data collection and traceability faster, while visual identification makes it possible to identify an animal without a reader. Many ranchers use both: the visual tag for everyday identification and the EID tag to connect the animal to electronic records.

For everyday herd management, visual ear tags may be all you need. Official identification requirements depend on the type of cattle, their age and sex, and where and why they are being moved.

Under current USDA rules, official identification is required for certain cattle and bison moving interstate, including sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months or older, dairy cattle, and cattle or bison used for rodeo, recreational events, shows or exhibitions. Feeder cattle and animals moving directly to slaughter are among the cattle that may be exempt from federal individual official identification requirements.

When an official ear tag is required, current USDA rules generally require it to be both visually and electronically readable. Ritchey visual tags are designed for everyday herd identification and can be used alongside official RFID/EID identification.

Because requirements and exemptions can vary by movement and destination, check current USDA and state animal-health requirements before moving cattle interstate.

Absolutely. Ritchey visual ear tags work well alongside RFID/EID tags. The visual tag provides easy, at-a-glance identification while the EID tag provides an electronically readable individual animal number.

For the best system, make sure the visual ID and EID number are linked to the same animal record. The technology may be different, but both should point you back to the same cow.

Learn more HERE. 

No. Standard Ritchey visual ear tags are herd-management identification and are not USDA-approved official identification devices.

When official identification is required, use a USDA-approved device or identification method that meets the current requirements for that animal. A Ritchey visual tag is still commonly used alongside official identification for everyday herd management.

No. Standard Ritchey ear tags are not USDA-approved official Scrapie identification tags. Sheep and goats that require official Scrapie identification must use an identification device or method approved for that purpose.

Ritchey tags can still be used as additional visual herd-management identification alongside the required official identification.

If you’re moving cattle across state lines or participating in USDA traceability programs, 840 RFID tags may be required. However, for in-herd identification, visual tags like Ritchey’s engraved, non-fade tags are often preferred due to their durability and readability.

We ship blank ear tags within 7 to 10 business days PLUS shipping time and custom engraved ear tags in 5 weeks PLUS shipping time.  Remember, lead time = from the time the order is taken to the time the order ships.  Our lead time does not include the time it takes to ship the product.

If you need your custom ear tags faster, please check with one of our many custom engraving partners - here Partners

Custom engraved cattle tags have a 5-week lead time before being shipped from our Colorado facility. *Lead times may vary slightly during peak seasons.  If that timeline does not fit your needs, please contact one of our many custom engraving partners found HERE.  

Always remember that you can purchase blank ear tags and permanently engrave them yourself at a moment's notice.

For shipping our ear tags and accessories, Ritchey uses USPS (United States Postal Service) and FedEx for shipping. Based on the size of your order you will be presented with the applicable shipping options at checkout.

Yes, we do ship to Canada along with many other countries. Customers are responsible for all shipping fees, duties, and taxes.  All transactions are made in US Dollars.

No. Our lead times are defined as the time between when an order is taken and when it ships. Expedited shipping will only shorten shipping time.

Yes.  American made, but world class. Ritchey tags are proudly manufactured in Fort Collins, Colorado, using American sourced materials and labor. Supporting Ritchey means supporting hard working Americans in support of ranchers around the world.  

Ritchey has been making livestock identification tags since 1964. Eugene “Gene” Ritchey and his wife, Jo, founded the company after Gene's experience growing up on a dairy farm showed him the frustration of identification that faded.

More than 60 years later, Ritchey continues to manufacture livestock identification tags in Colorado and build on Gene's original idea: identification should last as long as the animal needs it. 

Learn more HERE. 

It depends on which Ritchey tag you choose. Never Fades™ tags are designed for long-term identification and are readable for 15+ years. They're ideal for replacement heifers, cows, bulls and other animals expected to stay in the herd.

Utility Tags™ are more economical and designed for shorter-term identification, providing approximately 1 –3 years of readability, making them a practical choice for calves, feeder cattle, sorting and other animals that don't need lifetime identification.