DNA Identification technologies have proven to be instrumental in safeguarding the reputation and integrity of our State’s Youth livestock programs. DNA identification must be submitted to be eligible for all 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Championship awards. This is for the market and non-registered breeding stock shows of the Junior Beef, Goat, Sheep and Swine Divisions. Wisconsin State Fair’s process for 2025 DNA identification is as follows:
NEW for 2025: A new United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rule requires that official ID tags newly applied to cattle on or after November 5, 2024, must have both a visual and electronic component. The only official tags that currently meet these requirements are 840 RFID tags.
840 Ear Tag Identification
Wisconsin State Fair requires an 840 ear tag as official animal identification. The 15-digit sequence of numbers beginning with “840” will be recognized by Wisconsin State Fair as the individual animal identification number. Wisconsin State Fair sells individual 840 RFID ear tags, but 840 ear tags purchased elsewhere may be used. The use of RFID tags will speed up unloading and check-in procedures.
DNA Identification Sample Envelopes
Purchased DNA sample envelopes are required to collect and submit DNA samples. Envelopes may be purchased from Wisconsin State Fair or from County Fair programs which use Animal ID Inc. as their DNA service provider. Although the envelopes must be returned to the State Fair or County Fair from which they were purchased. Wisconsin State Fair will not accept DNA samples for processing that are not contained in official Wisconsin State Fair envelopes. This is including but not limited to blank envelopes, photocopied envelopes, plastic bags, and envelopes purchased from County programs.
Sample envelopes must be identified in the exhibitor’s name or in immediate family member names only. If animals are identified in the immediate family names, all siblings’ names MUST appear on both the envelope and the DNA Identification document. Cousins are not considered immediate family and may not co-identify the same animal.
Purchases through Wisconsin State Fair:
Wisconsin State Fair DNA identification 840 ear tags and sample envelopes are available for purchase online by credit card at entry.wistatefair.com. Walk-up orders are not accepted at Wisconsin State Fair Park.
- DNA Identification Sample Envelope: $8.00
- 840 RFID Ear Tag: $8.00
- DNA Identification Sample Envelope and 840 RFID Ear Tag: $16
Wisconsin State Fair DNA Identification Submission Date: In-person drop offs of DNA sample envelopes are not accepted. The DNA sample envelopes may only be returned via mail, Fed Ex or UPS.
DNA sample envelopes sent to Wisconsin State Fair should be addressed to: Wisconsin State Fair, Agriculture Department, 640 S 84th St, West Allis WI 53214
The DNA identification sample envelopes must be returned postmarked by or before May 21, 2025. Animal entries in the market and non-registered breeding stock shows of the Junior Beef, Goat, Sheep and Swine Divisions without proper DNA identification are eligible to be shown at Wisconsin State Fair. Although they are not eligible for Wisconsin State Fair champion awards.
Purchasing and/or submission of 840 ear tags or DNA sample envelopes is NOT entry in the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair. Exhibitors must enter the Wisconsin State Fair Junior Show online at entry.
