Livestock ID

4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources programs work to engage youth through hands-on experiences that connect to their lives and respond to their interests. 4-H programs use hands-on activities in animal science, agronomy, and the environment to teach problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, and inspire young people to explore career opportunities in agriculture.

The identification of livestock has evolved substantially in the past few years and appears to be changing each year. Find out more on Premise ID and the use of retinal imaging for State Fair market animals.

If you're interested in learning how to retinal image livestock as a volunteer at the county level, check out the resources below including a training video.

Livestock Identification in 4HOnline

All livestock must be identified in 4HOnline for eligibility to exhibit at county fairs and the Iowa State Fair (with the exception of poultry for State Fair). Please refer to each specie's requirements on the 4-H Online ID pages and the 4H 202 publication Animal Identification, Weighing, and Exhibiting Requirements for County, State and Interstate Shows