Electronic ID Systems : digital agriculture

Digital agriculture takes a major leap forward with the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) announcing the mandatory adoption of electronic identification (eID) for all newborn calves in England starting in 2027. This shift from manual tracking to low-frequency scanning aims to enhance livestock traceability, improve disease control, and strengthen trade readiness.

The new eID ear tags will allow cattle to be scanned digitally at farms, markets, and abattoirs, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors. A streamlined digital reporting platform will accompany the rollout, easing compliance burdens on farmers and regulators.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Christine Middlemiss calls the measure a ‘game-changer’ for biosecurity, aligning England with global best practices. Backed by a £200 million investment in veterinary infrastructure and free annual vet visits, this modernisation marks a pivotal step in making British farming smarter, safer, and more competitive.

Image Credit: shutterstock/Ingrid Pakats