Earmarking cattle
Earmarking of cattle is not compulsory. An earmark must be registered and you must have a registered three-piece brand before you can use it.
An earmark must be applied by an approved earmarking implement and cannot remove more than a third of the ear.
It is an offence under the Brands Act 1915 to possess or use earmarking implements that are not registered to you.
Registered cattle earmark districts
Queensland is divided into registered cattle earmark districts.
Earmarks may only be used within the district they are registered.
The registered earmarks districts are:
- Barcaldine
- Bowen
- Brisbane
- Cairns
- Charleville
- Clermont
- Cloncurry
- Cooktown
- Cunnamulla
- East Moreton
- Gladstone
- Hughenden
- Longreach
- Maryborough*
- Normanton
- Rockhampton*
- Roma*
- Springsure
- St. George
- Thargomindah
- Toowoomba*
- Townsville
- Warwick*
- West Moreton
- Windorah
- Winton.
*Note: These areas are divided into a number of small districts.
Assessing your earmark application
Earmarks are allocated to and registered for use in relation to specific earmark districts. Earmarks that are too similar or easily changed to look like a neighbour's earmark will not be registered.
You can use an earmark elsewhere in the same district if it does not conflict with earmarks used by your neighbours at the new address. You must provide in writing the address of the new property where the earmark will be used.
If you move into a new earmark district, your existing registered earmark is automatically cancelled. You will need to register again in the new district if you still wish to use an earmark.
Cattle earmark codes, shapes and positions
Cattle earmarks are referred to by a code of letters and numbers. The letters indicate the shape of the cut or cuts, and the numbers specify where the cut or cuts are to be made (e.g. A1E7).
Earmark positions
There are 6 earmark positions; positions 1, 2 and 3 on the off (left) ear, and positions 5, 6 and 7 on the near (right) ear (refer to image below).
The marks must be of the shape and on the portions of the ear or ears as indicated in the registration certificate.
Earmark codes and shapes
The shape and pattern of cattle earmarks that may be allocated and registered under the Brands Act 1915.
Earmarking instruments
All types of earmarks must be made with pliers. Only the cut or cuts you have registered may be used and no more than one-third of the ear can be removed. It is illegal to use any instrument (e.g. a knife) other than earmarking pliers for earmarking.
Registered owners must buy their earmarking pliers directly from the manufacturer/supplier.
When buying, you must provide a copy of your certificate of registration to the manufacturer. You can search the DAF Brands database (iBrands) for your registration details.
Find a list of manufacturers and suppliers of earmark pliers.
How to register an earmark
Your earmark must be registered before it can be legally used in Queensland.
Branding and earmarking submissions
You must consider the following submissions information when applying for a brand or earmark:
- there is a temporary COVID-19 branding exemption in place for cattle producers – you are not required to brand cattle for sale
- submit your applications electronically so that we receive them quicker and can process them faster
- email all brand and earmark applications to brands@daf.qld.gov.au
- do not enter credit card details on the application form for security reasons
- when your fully completed application form is received by the Licensing Transaction Unit (LTU), we will accept it into the processing system
- applications will be processed in order of arrival
- you will be contacted by a member of LTU and sent a BPoint link via email to make payment when your application is ready to be processed
- there is a 40 working day turnaround period for processing fully completed applications.
Applying for an earmark
To apply, submit your completed application for a cattle brand and/or earmark with the correct fee.
Your application must be in the same name(s) as your three-piece brand. Include the property identification code (PIC) with your application to make sure your earmark is established in the correct district.
When your application is approved, you will be issued a registration certificate. Earmark pliers must be made in accordance with the design shown on the certificate.
Earmark pliers
When buying, you must provide a copy of your certificate of registration to the supplier. You can search the DAF Brands database (iBrands) for your registration details.
Find a list of manufacturers and suppliers of earmark pliers.
Also consider...
- Use the DAF Brands database (iBrands) to submit your brand or earmark application or search registration details.
- Find out about the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
- Read the Brands Act 1915.
- Phone our Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23 for more information.
- Last reviewed: 1 Jul 2021
- Last updated: 1 Jul 2021