What's the best way to number ear tags on a small farm?

Question

I have 25 animals and the tags are a mess: some have numbers, some names, some old tags from the seller. How should I set up a clear system?

MH Fahim · Accepted Answer

For fewer than about 100 animals, keep it simple:

- Use a plain running number padded with zeros: 001, 002, 003… The zeros keep lists sorted correctly (otherwise computers put 10 before 2).
- Every number is unique and never reused, even after an animal is sold or dies, so old records never mix with a new animal.
- The ear tag and your records must match exactly.
- Don't pack the type, year or mother into the number. Keep those as separate fields.
- For bought animals, give your own new number and write the seller's old tag in the notes.
- Tag calves within 7 days of birth.

To fix your current mix, give every animal a new number in one go, write each old tag in its notes, and replace the ear tags.

What's the best way to number ear tags on a small farm?

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