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Wednesday, August 6, 2025
WSDA Communications

WSDA seeks feedback on proposed livestock documentation change

WSDA seeks feedback on a proposed change to the way livestock identification inspection certificates are created and distributed at public livestock markets.

Reasons for the rule change

A majority of Washington’s public livestock markets utilize a specific software system to manage all aspects of market sales. WSDA proposes creating a livestock identification module within that software platform that would enable public livestock markets to print official department validated livestock inspection certificates, allowing public livestock market staff and WSDA staff to collaborate in one system.

Traditionally, public livestock markets and WSDA livestock identification program staff have utilized separate software systems, resulting in duplicated efforts, less accuracy, and slower processes. This rule change would address all of these opportunities for improvement.

Why is the rule change necessary?

The new livestock identification module will reduce a cumbersome check-out process for customers and create a single check-out process, allowing public livestock markets that utilize the software to issue official brand certificates.

Creating a single check-out process will:
  • reduce the number of hours WSDA staff spend at the markets.
  • reduce check-out time for customers.
  • eliminate redundant data entry.
  • increase information sharing.
  • increase cooperation between market staff and department staff.
  • create a one-page official document that includes official department proof of ownership information as well as market information.
WSDA has the authority to adopt rules on this subject under RCW 16.65.020.

How to provide feedback

To provide comments, please email envjustice@agr.wa.gov. All comments received will be used to inform the agency’s environmental justice assessment for this rule. The environmental justice assessment for this rule is scheduled to conclude by August 21, 2025.

Learn more

More information about the proposed rule change is available on WSDA’s website.