- Frequently Asked Questions -

Q. What kind of tags does the program utilize?
A. The MCA-SAV program uses a matched pair of tags, consisting of an EID (Electronic Identification Device) button tag and a unique number visual tag.

Q.  How much does it cost to participate?
A. Tag sets ordered online cost $3.75 plus shipping and handling.  The cost at MCA approved dealers may vary.  Please check with your dealer.  At this time, MCA does not charge a participation fee.  You must be a current MCA member to participate.

Q. Can I have my vet/auction market put the tags in at their location?
A. Cattle can be tagged at your veterinarian's clinic, however all other cattle must be tagged on your farm / ranch.

Q. What ear do I place the tags in?
A. The EID button tag goes in the calf’s left ear, the visual tag can go in either ear.

Q. Do I need a computer or the ability to scan EID tags?
A. No, you do not need to scan the EID tags; buyers may scan if they wish. To use the on-line ordering system, you need access to a computer and the internet, but you can buy tag sets at a dealer if you do not have internet access. 

Q. How does my business become a dealer?
A. Contact the MCA Office at (573) 499-9162 or Ken Disselhorst at (573) 822-3850.

Q. Do all my calves have to be born in Missouri to be eligible?
A. No, you must have a premise number and all other required records but we do not require calves to be born in Missouri.

Q. Are calves from cow/calf pairs I purchased eligible?
A. No, only the original owner of the calves may enroll calves in the MCA-SAV program.

Q. Are embryo transfer calves and calves born to bred heifers or cows eligible for participation?
A. Yes, they are eligible as long you the calves are born in your possession and you meet the rest of the requirements.

Q. Will my information be kept confidential?
A. Yes, your personal information will be kept confidential. Buyers will have access to the group age information for the cattle they buy and will receive a customer number.  Your personal information, name, address, etc will be kept in the strictest confidence.

Q. Will I be audited?
A. Possibly. At least 10% of the MCA-SAV producers will be audited each year.  Audits may be conducted by an MCA representative, a representative of the Missouri Department of Agriculture or the USDA.  To participate in the MCA-SAV program, you must agree to allow for on-site audits.

Q. What do I do if a calf loses a tag, or both tags?
A. If the calf loses one tag, contact MCA for a replacement.  If a calf loses both tags, but is still on the farm / ranch of origin, it can be re-enrolled.  If the calf is no longer on the original farm / ranch of origin, it is no longer QSA eligible.

Q. I had a couple of calves die before I tagged them, what do I do with the extra tags?
A. You must destroy the tags and report the tag numbers to MCA.  You cannot hold tags for another group of calves.  It is very important to only order the number of tags you need.  MCA cannot offer refunds for any unused tags.

Q. How will buyers receive information on my calves?
A. Buyers will contact the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association via phone or e-mail for instructions.  Buyers can receive birth date information and a customer number for each animal they purchase.

If you have any more questions, please contact the MCA Office at
(573) 499-9162.