In livestock management, small missteps can mean major headaches down the line. That’s the thinking behind the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency’s (CCIA) new awareness initiative called Retention Matters, aimed at reducing the number of lost ID tags from cattle ears and reinforcing best practices from the chute to the truck.
In this interview, Shaun Haney speaks with Paul Laronde, tag and technology manager at CCIA, and Lyle Miller, past chair of the organization and a producer near Acme, Alberta. The pair unpack what led to the campaign and why it’s still necessary nearly 25 years after the launch of Canada’s national livestock identification system.
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“Every manufacturer sells their own applicator, so you have to ensure that the one you’re using is proper for the tag, or you’re going to have tag losses,” says Laronde, emphasizing that using the wrong tool—or skipping the instructions altogether—can mean tags don’t stay in. He outlines CCIA’s “top 10 best practices” for tag retention, which include correct restraint of animals, clean applicators, proper ear placement, and even the use of antiseptics to reduce infection risks.
Miller sees the campaign’s message as a practical nudge. “I found out at our own feed yard that we were using the wrong applicator... and I’m somebody that should know different,” he says. The experience underlines the campaign’s core message: even seasoned operators can benefit from a refresher, especially when relying on inexperienced help during branding or tagging.
