WI State Fair DNA and Ear Tag Identification Program

DNA Identification technologies have proven to be instrumental in safeguarding the reputation and integrity of our State’s Youth livestock programs. Wisconsin State Fair’s process for 2021 DNA identification is as follows:

DNA Identification: DNA identification must be submitted to be eligible for all 2021 Wisconsin State Fair Championship awards in the Junior Beef, Sheep and Swine Divisions in the market and non-registered breeding stock shows. As part of the DNA identification process Wisconsin State Fair requires an 840 ear tag as official animal identification. 840 RFID ear tags are preferred but any official 840 ear tag is accepted. The 15-digit sequence of numbers which begin with 8-4-0 will be recognized by Wisconsin State Fair as the individual animal identification number.

Purchase DNA Identification Hair Kits: Wisconsin State Fair DNA identification hair kits are available for purchase online by credit card only at entry.wistatefair.com. Due to COVID-19, walk-up orders will not be accepted at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

  • DNA Identification Hair Kit: $6
  • 840 RFID Ear Tag: $5 (Wisconsin State Fair sells individual 840 RFID ear tags but 840 ear tags do not need to be purchased through Wisconsin State Fair.
  • DNA Identification Hair Kit and 840 RFID Ear Tag: $11

Wisconsin State Fair DNA Identification Submission Date: Wisconsin State Fair DNA identification submissions must be postmarked/delivered on (or before) June 9, 2021*. Due to COVID-19, in person drop-offs of DNA identification will not be accepted at Wisconsin State Fair Park. DNA identification may only be returned via mail, Fed Ex or UPS. DNA identification being sent to Wisconsin State Fair should be addressed to:

Wisconsin State Fair, Agriculture Department, 640 S 84th St, West Allis WI 53214

*Junior market beef, sheep and swine and non-registered breeding stock without DNA identification postmarked/delivered by June 9, 2021 are eligible to show at Wisconsin State Fair but are not eligible for champion awards.

County Fair DNA Programs: Wisconsin State Fair recognizes and accepts DNA identification from County Fair programs which use Animal ID Inc. as their DNA service provider. Any DNA identification hair kits purchased through a County Fair program must be submitted back to the respective County where purchased. DNA identification postmarked/delivered on (or before) June 9, 2021 will be recognized as meeting Wisconsin State Fair DNA identification requirements.

Reminder! Purchasing and/or submission of DNA identification hair kits is NOT entry in the 2021 Wisconsin State Fair. Exhibitors MUST enter the Wisconsin State Fair Junior Show online at wistatefair.com in a separate process in late spring.

Please contact Wisconsin State Fair at entryoffice@wistatefair.com with additional DNA identification questions.

Purchase Wisconsin State Fair 840 Ear Tags and DNA Kits