Tag Archives: Livestock ID

Senate passes Warnick’s bill to extend livestock ID program

The state Senate has approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, to extend Washington’s livestock identification program through 2030.

Senate Bill 5485 continues the current livestock identification fees, the Livestock Identification Advisory Committee, and the Livestock Identification Program report from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030.

“This bill is a significant step forward for our agricultural community,” Warnick said. “By extending these critical components of the livestock identification program, we’re ensuring that our ranchers and farmers have the support they need to maintain accurate records and protect their livestock investments.”

The livestock identification program helps track ownership, deter theft, and support the health and safety of the state’s livestock industry. The extension provided by SB 5485 ensures the program can continue operating without interruption, offering stability for producers statewide.

“Our livestock producers rely on this program for essential services like brand registration and inspection,” said Warnick. “Continuing these services means we can uphold the integrity of our livestock markets and provide peace of mind to those who work tirelessly to feed our communities.”

The bill received strong bipartisan support and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“I’m grateful for the bipartisan collaboration that made this possible,” Warnick added. “Together, we’re reinforcing the foundation of our state’s economy and honoring the hard work of our livestock producers.”

Governor signs Warnick livestock ID bill on ‘Beef Day’

State Sen. Judy Warnick is from Washington’s ag country and has worked tirelessly to promote and protect the state’s second largest industry.

Today the governor signed legislation sponsored by Warnick, Senate Bill 5439, to support livestock identification efforts. The soon-to-be law will remove fees and make other sustainability improvements to the program.

“The state’s livestock identification efforts are continually improving, and my proposal will help the sustainability and fairness of this important program,” said Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “I think the program will operate better for producers and the public by removing unnecessary fees and making some administrative changes.”

Included in the legislation is language to remove the $20 call-out fee for inspection performed by veterinarians or field livestock inspectors. The bill also moves the required annual report date from September to November.

“This update to livestock identification will protect valuable assets for ranchers by providing needed funding for modernization. In addition, we can continue to build on the valuable work of disease traceability,” Warnick added.

The proposal was coincidentally signed into law during Beef Day at the Capitol Campus, a longstanding and popular advocacy effort by the cattle industry to educate policymakers while showcasing the culinary goods.