USDA to Provide RFID Tags for Sows and Exhibition Swine Beginning Fall 2025
Starting this fall, U.S. swine producers will have access to no-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) eartags for sows and exhibition swine, thanks to a new initiative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
The program follows APHIS’ successful no-cost RFID cattle tag initiative and is designed to strengthen national swine disease traceability—a critical component of protecting animal health and maintaining the marketability of the U.S. swine industry.
$20 Million Contract with Merck Animal Health
In July 2025, APHIS awarded a five-year, $20 million contract to Merck Animal Health to supply RFID tags to the sow and exhibition swine industry segments. Under the program, producers and state animal health officials will be able to order tags directly from the Merck Animal Health website once the program launches.
According to USDA, “Although animal disease traceability does not prevent disease, an efficient and accurate traceability system reduces the response time involved in a disease investigation, limiting the number of farms and animals affected. This, in turn, reduces the economic impact on owners and affected communities.”
Direct-to-Producers Distribution Model
To streamline delivery, the program uses a direct-from-manufacturer model: Merck will handle order processing and shipping, ensuring tags reach producers and state officials quickly—without APHIS acting as an intermediary.
To qualify for the program, producers must:
Have a valid premises identification number
Provide shipping and contact information
Report the number of sows onsite (for commercial farms) or the number of show pigs (for exhibition swine)
State animal health officials can also order tags based on the number of sows within their jurisdiction.
It’s important to note that while RFID tags are provided at no cost, applicators are not included and must be obtained separately.
For more details about ordering and eligibility, visit the official USDA program page.
