As of January 1, 2014 all dairy livestock, including steers, will be required to have individual identification for the purpose of shipment to the state of California. The acceptable forms of identification will be:
1) Official ear tags metal or 840 compliant (RFID or visual)
2) Offical USDA back tags for cattle moving directly to slaughter
3) Registered breed tattoos when accompanied by certificate
Source: NevadaDepartment of Agriculture
Source:
http://www.farms.com/news/california-changes-identification-requirements-for-dairy-cattle-71263.aspx
