Earmarking cattle

Earmarking of cattle is not compulsory. An earmark must be registered, and you must have a registered 3-piece brand before you can use it.

An earmark must be applied using 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 (without lawful excuse) 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:

    • Map of branding districts

      • Barcaldine
      • Bowen
      • Brisbane East
      • Brisbane West
      • Cairns
      • Charleville
      • Clermont
      • Cloncurry
      • Cooktown
      • Cunnamulla
      • Gladstone
      • Hughenden
      • Longreach
      • Maryborough*
      • Normanton
      • Rockhampton*
      • Roma*
      • Springsure
      • St. George
      • Thargomindah
      • Toowoomba*
      • Townsville
      • Warwick*
      • 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.

Cattle earmarks are only valid for use within their registered district and in conjunction with the associated horse and cattle 3-piece brand.

If you move to a new property or purchase an additional property, it is important to notify us so we can determine whether your earmark can continue to be used in the new location.

Changing properties

If the property where you intend to use the earmark has changed (for example, you have moved to a new property), you must notify us of the change. We will check whether your new property is in the same earmark district as your current registration.

Same district

If the new property is in the same district and there are no similar earmarks on adjoining properties, your registration will be updated to specify the new property.

Different district

If the new property is in a different district:

  • your current earmark registration will be automatically cancelled
  • and
  • you will need to apply for the earmark (a new registration) in the new district (can be linked to your existing 3-piece brand).

Adding an additional property to your registration

If you intend to use the earmark on an additional property (for example you have purchased an additional property where you intend to use the earmark), you must notify us as the district might have changed. We will check whether the new property is in the same earmark district as your current registration.

Same district

If the additional property is in the same district and there are no similar earmarks on adjoining properties, your registration will be updated to include the new property.

Different district

If the additional property is in a different district, the new property cannot be added to your current registration and the earmark cannot be used on this property. You will need to:

  • apply to register the same earmark in the new district (if available, can be linked to your existing 3-piece brand)
  • or
  • apply for a new earmark in the new district, linked to your existing 3-piece brand.

There is no guarantee you will be able to re-register the same earmark in a new district.

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
  • positions 5, 6 and 7 on the near (right) ear (refer to image below).

Image of branding earmark location

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.

Branding earmarks codes and shapes

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 Brands database (iBrands) for your registration details.

How to register an earmark

Your cattle earmark must be registered before it can be legally used in Queensland.

To register an earmark, you must submit an application. Your application is then reviewed and processed after payment is received.

Reminders for brand and earmark applications

  • Email all brand and earmark applications to brands@dpi.qld.gov.au.
  • Brands and earmarks must be associated with a property identification code (PIC) of intended use.
  • Do not enter credit card details on the application form.
  • Payments are processed via BPoint. We will contact you about payment before your application is processed.
  • There is currently a turnaround period of 40 working days for all applications.

Step 1: Submit your application

Complete the application form in full and submit it using one of these options:

Step 2: Application review

Once received, your application will be checked for completeness. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to you for correction.

Your application must be in the same name(s) as your 3-piece brand.

Include the PIC with your application to make sure your earmark is established in the correct district. In Queensland, all properties where livestock are kept must have a PIC allocated by Biosecurity Queensland.

When registering, transferring or updating property details for an earmark, you must provide the PIC where the earmark is intended to be used.

Step 3: Payment request

If your application is complete, you will receive a payment request. Note that payment is required before the processing of your application can begin.

Payment does not guarantee the approval or registration of your earmark.

Applications are processed in the order we receive them and only if they have been fully completed and the correct fee has been paid.

Step 4: Approval

When your application is approved, you will be issued a registration certificate.

Earmark pliers

When buying earmark pliers, you must provide a copy of your certificate of registration to the supplier. You can search the Brands database (iBrands) for your registration details.

Earmark pliers must be made in accordance with the design shown on the certificate.

More information