Custom Ear Tags FAQ
Answers to all your questions about ordering fully customizable ear tags from Stumptown Cattle
Ordering & Customization
What can you engrave on a cattle ear tag?
Ranch names, sequential ID numbers, herd or lot numbers, premise IDs, logos, brand images, and QR codes. Most ranchers order a ranch name plus a number range — for example, 1–150. If you can describe it, we can usually put it on the tag. Send us the details and we'll confirm what fits. While most custom tags have maximum characters, we will work with you to fit what you want and make it readable. If it won’t work, we’ll discuss during the proof process to make the appropriate changes.
What's the difference between your engraved tags and your laser printed tags?
We do both, and they're two different processes:
Laser engraving (Ritchey No Fade Tags). These are dual-color tags — one color on the outside, a second color underneath. The laser removes the top layer to reveal the inside color, so the marking is cut into the tag, not printed on it. It can't fade, rub off, or wash out.
Laser printing (Datamars Herdsman and Z-Tags). These are single-color tags. The laser reacts with a color additive in the tag itself to produce a crisp black or grey mark, depending on the tag color. Nothing is sprayed or printed on the surface.
Both come off the laser, get cleaned and packaged, and ship ready to install.
Which should I choose?
Ritchey No Fade dual-color tags hold legibility longest in the field, which is why many ranchers use them for permanent ID. Datamars Herdsman and Z-Tags are a good fit when you want a specific tag style or color from that line. Tell us how you're using them — permanent herd ID, calf crop, sale lot — and we'll point you to the right one.
Do I get to see the tags before you make them?
Yes — always. Before anything goes in the laser, we send you a proof showing exactly how your tags will read: layout, font, numbering, and placement. You either confirm it's right or tell us what to change. Nothing gets engraved or printed until you approve the proof, and turnaround starts from your approval.
Tag types, colors & durability
Do engraved ear tags fade?
No. On Ritchey No Fade Tags, the laser takes the top layer off to expose the contrasting color underneath — the marking is part of the tag, not printed on it, so it won't rub off, wash out, or fade in sunlight the way ink-printed tags do.
Do the laser printed tags fade?
The mark isn't surface ink either — the laser reacts with a color additive inside the tag to create the black/grey character. Laser printed tags will fade over time. If you plan to keep the animal for more than 4 years, we would recommend using a Ritchey No Fade Tag.
What's the difference between single-color and dual-color tags?
A dual-color tag is one color outside and a different color underneath, so the engraving cuts through to a contrasting layer and stays easy to read. Single-color tags are one solid color with a black or grey laser-printed mark. Dual-color tags hold legibility longer in the field, which is why many ranchers prefer them for permanent ID.
What colors do you stock?
Ritchey No Fade Tags (listed as outside color / engraved color underneath): Red/White, Red/Black, Black/White, White/Black, Green/White, Yellow/Black, Pink/Black, Purple/White, Orange/Black, Blue/Black, Blue/White, Gold/Black, Teal/Black
Datamars Herdsman & Z-Tags: Red, Orange, White, Teal
Need a color that isn't on this list? Ask — we can usually add it to a stocking order for no fee or special order for a fee.
View our Inventory to see color swatches.
What sizes of ear tags do you carry?
Calf, cow, and bull sizes, plus sheep and goat tags — in both the Ritchey and Datamars/Z-Tag lines.
What brands of tags do you use?
Ritchey Livestock ID tags and Datamars tags, including the Herdsman and Z-Tag lines. Ritchey Livestock ID has been producing No Fade Tags since the 70’s. Designed by ranchers and built for ranchers, they are the go too tag to last a lifetime.
Datamars has the original one piece tag, the Z-Tag. Trusted by Cow/Calf producers, backgrounders, and feedlots around the world with service to go with it. We offer the Datamars tags because we know they are built to last and the Datamars team has service second to none.
Can you engrave sheep and goat tags too?
Yes. We do sheep and goat tags in addition to cattle, in both product lines. The same customization options — names, numbers, logos, QR codes — apply.
Pricing, Turnaround & Shipping
How much do custom engraved cattle tags cost?
Request a quote with your quantity and tag type for exact pricing. A custom tag will generally cost you $4.00 or less with everything you need: the tag, the button, and the engraving. Prices are subject to change.
How long does it take to get custom engraved tags?
Typical turnaround is one week from the time you approve your proof. During our busy season, turnaround runs 2–3 weeks. We will confirm expected ship dates during the proof process.
Can I get tags in a hurry for branding or weaning?
Tell us your working date when you order and we'll confirm up front whether we can hit it.
How do tags ship?
Orders ship 2nd day air via UPS with tracking, unless you request another shipping method at the time of purchase. We ship nationwide.
Ready to get started?
Call us at 1-608-732-2433or get in touch to start an order.