Animal identification is a key to cattle health. Each animal should be able to be identified by either ear tag or visual inspection. Some animals are required to have state approved identification, especially if they are being sold, transported, or shown. Check out Florida's Cattle identification requirements here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Livestock/Cattle-Bovine/Florida-Cattle-Identification

Individual identification is vital to keeping proper records. If animals cannot be identified visually or by name, consider using ear tags. Number or letter systems can be used to keep track of generations of animals, medications given, diseases, and more.

Biosecurity is an important part of cattle herds, no matter if that herd is 2 cows or 2,000 cows. Biosecurity is a collection of methods used to reduce the incidence of disease in your herd, such as quarantining new animals for two weeks before introducing them to the herd, cleaning water/feed troughs regularly, and not handling other animals and then your own. Insect control, like biting flies, can also help reduce the spread of diseases and can be an important part of your biosecurity plan.

Beef Quality Assurance is a program developed by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. This program helps teach producers and those involved in the cattle industry the proper ways to interact with cattle in all parts of the industry. BQA is intended to help ensure a safe food supply system while ensuring animal welfare on every cattle operation in the US.

You can learn more about BQA or find ways to get certified here: https://www.bqa.org/