DNA identification technologies have proven to be instrumental in safeguarding the reputation and integrity of Wisconsin’s youth livestock programs.
Submit DNA identification to be eligible for all 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Championship awards in 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:
A new USDA rule requires that official ID tags newly applied to cattle on or after Nov. 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. Wisconsin State Fair recognizes the 15-digit sequence of numbers beginning with “840” as the individual animal identification number.
DNA Identification Sample Envelopes
You need to buy DNA sample envelopes to collect and submit DNA samples. Purchase these envelopes from the Wisconsin State Fair or approved county fair programs, but you must return the envelopes to the state fair or county fair from where you bought them.
Wisconsin State Fair will not accept DNA samples for processing not contained in official Wisconsin State Fair envelopes, including but not limited to blank envelopes, photocopied envelopes, plastic bags, and envelopes purchased from county programs.
Label the sample envelopes in the exhibitor’s name or immediate family members’ 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.
DNA Identification Submission Date
You cannot drop off DNA sample envelopes at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Return DNA sample envelopes via mail, FedEx, or UPS.
Address DNA sample envelopes sent to Wisconsin State Fair to: Wisconsin State Fair, Agriculture Department, 640 S 84th St, West Allis WI 53214
Return DNA identification sample envelopes postmarked by or before May 21 to be eligible for Wisconsin State Fair champion awards. 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 but not eligible for champion awards.
Questions
Contact the Wisconsin State Fair at entryoffice@wistatefair.com with additional DNA identification questions.
Purchase Wisconsin State Fair 840 Ear Tags and DNA sample envelopes: https://entry.wistatefair.com/
