Ear Tag Ordering Process
The What and How of Ordering Custom Ear Tags Through Stumptown Cattle
How Custom Ear Tag Engraving Works
From your herd numbers to tags in your hands — here's exactly what happens when you order custom engraved tags from Stumptown Cattle.
Step 1 — Tell us what you need
Start by telling us your tag type, size, quantity, and what you want engraved. Most ranchers send a ranch name plus a number range (for example, 1–150), but we also do logos, brand images, premise IDs, and QR codes. Not sure what you need? The FAQ covers the common choices, or just call us and we'll walk through it.
Step 2 — Choose your tag and color
We engrave Ritchey livestock tags in calf, cow, and bull sizes, plus sheep and goat tags. Ritchey No Fade Tags are dual-color tags, one color outside and another underneath, so the engraving stays readable for the life of the tag.
We laser print Datamars Herdsman and Z-tags in calf, cow, bull, sheep and goat tags. These tags are one color and the laser print is black/grey depending on the color.
Ritchey Colors Stocked:
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 & Z-Tag Colors Stocked:
Red, Orange, White, Teal
Step 3 — Approve your proof
Before we engrave anything, we send you a proof showing exactly how your tags will read — layout, font, numbering, and placement. You confirm it's right, or tell us what to change. Nothing gets engraved until you approve.
Step 4 — We engrave your order
Once you approve the proof, we laser-engrave your tags.
With Ritchey No Fade Tags, we take the top layer off and display the inside color. Because it’s not printed on, the tag never fades. The tag is removed from the laser, cleaned, packaged, and shipped to you ready to be installed.
With Laser Printed tags, the tags are placed in the laser and the laser reacts with the color additive in the tag, creating a crisp black/grey easily readable mark on the tag. The tag is then removed from the laser, packaged, and shipped to you ready to be installed.
Typical Turn Around Time is 1 week with extended times of 2-3 weeks during our busy season.
Step 5 — Tags ship to your door
Your finished tags ship 2nd day air via UPS with tracking unless another method is requested at time of purchase. Need them by a specific working date — branding, weaning, a sale? Tell us up front and we'll confirm we can hit it.
Ready to Start?
Request a Quote
Call us at 1-608-732-2433
Have questions first?
Read the FAQ or get in touch.
Ordering and Customization
What can you engrave on a cattle ear tag?
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The short answers is nearly anything. We can engrave ranch names, sequential ID numbers, herd or lot numbers, premise IDs, logos, brand images, and QR codes. {{TODO: state max number of lines / characters per tag size.}} If you can describe it, we can usually put it on the tag — send us the details and we'll confirm what fits.
Can you put a QR code on a livestock tag?
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Yes. We engrave QR codes onto tags so you can link each animal to records, a website, or contact info with a phone scan. {{TODO: note whether the QR is laser-engraved vs printed, and any minimum tag size needed for a scannable code.}}
What makes you different?
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
How can I contact you?
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
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