Growing Beef Newsletter
January 2026, Volume 16, Issue 7
Iowa livestock producers encouraged to register for a Premises Identification Number
Sherry Hoyer, ISU Extension and Outreach communications specialist
Registering for a Premises Identification Number (PIN) is quick, easy, free, and can be invaluable in the event of an emergency. Similar to a 911 address, each PIN is unique and is assigned to a specific site involved with animal agriculture. During an emergency, time is of the essence, and knowing the location of livestock will allow the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to notify you quickly if there is an animal health emergency in your area.
While the program is voluntary, all Iowa livestock producers are encouraged to register to support disease response and producer outreach during a foreign animal disease response. The faster an outbreak is controlled, the sooner you can resume normal business operations and regain access to international trade markets.
The program involves recording information such as addresses, names of contacts, the type of premises , and a contact phone number. This information will be maintained by IDALS and key pieces will be shared with the USDA to be available for animal disease tracing purposes.
Registration is done online on the IDALS animal disease traceability website. On the lower right of the page under Number of Premises Registered, look for the “Identification Number Application” link and download the one-page fillable pdf form. Or go directly to the form. Mail and email addresses, and fax and phone numbers for more information and submission are on the form.
After registration, producers will receive a letter from IDALS with their premises ID enclosed. As information in your account may change over time, you’re asked to contact IDALS by phone at 515-281-8236 or email idals_id@iowaagriculture.gov with those changes.
The PIN program in Iowa is coordinated and hosted by IDALS, and IDALS will protect your PIN and keep this contact information confidential under Iowa Law.
The Iowa Cattlemen's Association has a policy priority related to animal disease preparedness. This PIN program offers a tool to assist in these efforts, and ICA also encourages producers to register.
This monthly newsletter is free and provides timely information on topics that matter most to Iowa beef producers. You’re welcome to use information and articles from the newsletter - simply credit Iowa Beef Center.
