Youth Show Swine: Pig ID and Movement Requirements

March 30, 2026

Before heading to a fair or show, it’s important to make sure your pig is properly identified. In this video, you’ll learn what kind of ID your pig needs, why it matters, and what the rules are for moving pigs in Michigan. We’ll walk through it step by step so you can feel confident you’re doing things the right way. 

Video Transcript

Pig I.D. and Movement Requirements

In this video, we’ll discuss pig I.D and movement requirements. 

Livestock are subject to state and federal laws regarding identification practices, and 4-H project animals are no exception. Let’s review how these laws apply to your 4-H swine project.

Moving within Michigan (intrastate)

Pigs moving within the state of Michigan for shows and fairs must have official identification (ID).

Official ID can either be:

  • Metal or plastic NUES ear tag.
  • Animal identification number (AIN) 840 ear tag: with or without Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID)
  • Federal premises identification number (PIN) tag

We will review these more when we discuss exhibition and fair requirements.

Coming into Michigan from Another State (importing)

If your pig is coming from out-of-state, familiarize yourself with the requirements on the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/animals/id-movement/pigs  

Exhibition (Show, fair, demonstration or display) Requirements

All animals exhibited at a fair are required to follow the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development established guidelines for exhibition.  All swine must have official identification when on display at a show, fair, or demonstration.

Official identification: 

  • Metal or plastic NUES ear tag.  Official NUES tags have a unique nine-character number beginning with a two-digit state code.  
  • Animal identification number (AIN) 840 ear tag:  with or without Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID). Official 840 tags have a unique 15-digit number beginning with 840, the U.S. country code.   Official 840 tags come in two types:  visual identification and radio-frequency identification.  Both of these types come in a variety of shapes and colors.  To purchase 840 tags, you must have the national premises identification number (PIN) of the property where your animals are housed.  To obtain your own PIN, contact MDARD at 888-565-8626. 
    • Some breeders may provide 840 tags for you.
    • If your breeder does not provide an 840 tag for your pig, 840 RFID tags can be purchased individually from local businesses. To find a location near you, visit the MDARD website to find a directory listing. 
  • Ear tag with the 7-character federal premises identification number (PIN) or 6 to 8 character state location identification number (LID) of the premises of where the pigs originated, and a unique management ID number imprinted by the manufacturer.  

In addition to state and federal identification requirements, each fair may have their own requirements. For example, some fairs may require you to submit photos of your pig’s ear notches by the possession deadline or your pig could be tagged with a fair-specific tag during check-in.  Fair specific tags do not replace the requirement of official identification. 

Do not remove an official identification tag at any time, but if your pig loses an official tag, contact your breeder if your pig came with an official tag at time of purchase for a replacement.  If the breeder is unable to provide you with another tag, you will be required to obtain your own number and purchase tags. If your fair requires you to register an official identification number at time of registration, make sure you contact the fair if you need to change official tag numbers.  

Always check the fair requirements and work with your 4-H leaders, superintendents and fair representatives to make sure you are following specific guidelines established by your fair.

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