WEST FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A West Fargo cattle auction is providing ear-tagging identification services for Minnesota cattle, after approval from officials in both states.

North Dakota State Veterinarian Susan Keller says normally, animals must be ID’d before they’re brought into the state. She says the board received assurances that the Minnesota cattle would be properly inspected and identified with Minnesota tags before being put with other animals and sold.

Central Livestock Association branch manager Mike Hilde tells The Forum that being able to do the identification there makes it less likely local cattle will be sold in other states with less restrictive rules for tracking animal origins.

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