Handheld RFID readers for day-to-day scanning
Handheld readers are a great fit if you want a compact scanner for routine jobs like confirming IDs at the races, recording treatments, or checking mobs during yard work. Many handheld options support Bluetooth and USB data transfer, store large scan histories, and can sync to mobile apps for quick data capture and export.
Stick readers for fast scanning in the crush, race, or drafting
Stick (wand) readers give you extra reach—handy for scanning cattle in a crush or sheep in a race while keeping your body position safe and efficient. Stick readers are commonly chosen when you need to scan a lot of animals quickly and want simple export into spreadsheets or livestock software.
Stationary panel readers for scales, drafters, and sorting gates
If you’re weighing, drafting, or running animals through a high-flow point, stationary readers give you consistent reads without needing to “wand” every animal manually. These are commonly used at scales, drafters and sorting gates, and in other high-traffic livestock handling areas.
Industrial EID systems for feedlots, saleyards, and abattoirs
For high-volume operations, industrial systems can range from walk-through readers to fully automated multi-read setups. These systems are designed for demanding environments across producers, feedlots, saleyards, and abattoirs—and are typically where throughput, automation and integration matter most.
Understand the two numbers on NLIS electronic tags
NLIS electronic devices typically include a visible NLIS ID printed on the outside and an RFID number encoded on the microchip inside the device. That RFID number is what your scanner reads electronically, and it can be captured using both handheld scanners and panel readers, depending on your setup.
Export scans into Excel or software (and keep your PIC tidy)
For many producers, the quickest practical win is moving from handwritten IDs to a repeatable scan-and-export process. Some reader workflows support exporting scan lists to Excel or farm software, which can make tasks like annual stock checks, herd lists, and database housekeeping much easier.
When barcode scanning matters
If you run workflows where barcodes are used alongside electronic ID (for example, some tissue sampling workflows), a reader that can handle both RFID and barcodes can simplify the process and reduce double-handling.
Care, hygiene, and reliability
Keep scanners clean as part of farm biosecurity
RFID readers don’t pierce the animal, but they do move through yards, races, crushes, and between mobs—and (sometimes) between properties. Treat scanning gear like any other farm equipment: keep it free of mud/manure where practical, and clean it appropriately when moving between locations, especially if equipment is shared.
Protect connectors and electronics from contamination and corrosion
Small things make a big difference to reader lifespan: keep ports capped when not in use, store gear dry, and don’t let grit build up in connectors. If charging/data terminals become dirty or corroded, clean them gently (dry cloth) so you don’t lose power or data connection mid-job.
Getting reliable reads in the yards
If you’re missing reads, it’s often not the tag—it’s the environment and scanning technique. Read distance can be impacted by tag orientation, animal movement, nearby metal (e.g., tags pressed against a squeeze chute), RF/electrical interference, and low battery level. A consistent scan path and keeping batteries charged improves reliability.
Allflex applicators are designed to make livestock identification faster and more consistent, with tools developed for visual tags, electronic ID (EID/RFID) tags, and tissue sampling units (TSU).
This collection includes a mix of single-shot applicators, high-volume multi-shot applicators, and the replacement parts that keep your gear working when you’re tagging hard.
Recommended applicators by tag type
If you’re choosing an applicator, match it to the tag system you’re using (this is one of the biggest drivers of retention and avoiding device loss). ISC notes using the correct applicator (and a sharp, undamaged pin) is critical.
Cattle NLIS (EID/RFID) and two-piece tags (general yard work):
UTT3S is positioned by Allflex as a next‑gen applicator with reduced application force and easier switching between two‑piece and EID tags.
UltraMatic is described as a light handheld applicator suitable for Allflex Cattle NLIS tags.
Identiplier includes a flip‑pin/swivel action designed to reduce tearing risk if an animal pulls away during application.
High-volume visual tagging (two-piece visual tag range):
LazaMatic is listed by Allflex as suitable for the two‑piece visual tag range (buttons through Mini–Super Maxi) and uses a pistol-grip retraction mechanism for fast application.
A‑Tagger systems involve a sharp point—Allflex instructions emphasize safe handling and correct placement (between cartilage ribs; don’t use existing holes).
Sheep and goat high-throughput tagging:
RapIDMatic is a multi‑shot applicator used to apply RapID tags and SuperFlex (non‑EID) tags, loaded in strips of 20.
FlexiMatic is described by Allflex as a multi‑shot rapid‑fire applicator that can apply 25 FlexiTags before reloading.
DNA / tissue sampling workflows:
The Allflex TSU Applicator is used with the Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU) system for collecting tissue samples across species including cattle, sheep and pigs.
Feedlot / one‑piece tags:
Allflex describes its Manual Feedlot applicator as designed for safe feedlot tagging, with replacement anvil and pin available.
Replacement pins, anvils, and service parts
If tagging starts to feel inconsistent (misfires, hard squeezes, bent pins), the fix is usually maintenance, not “more force.” ISC specifically recommends checking the applicator pin is sharp and in good condition.
This collection includes common “keep-you-going” parts such as replacement pins (e.g., for UTT3S/LazaMatic/UltraMatic), jaw inserts, and replacement anvils.
For high-volume systems, a spare parts kit can help you service wear components before each tagging season (example: RapIDMatic spare parts kit).
Hygiene and best-practice (retention + animal welfare)
A clean applicator and clean tags reduce infection risk and help tags seat correctly. MLA specifically recommends keeping applicators clean and dipping in disinfectant between animals (when tagging).
ISC also advises using devices free from contamination, avoiding dirt/manure contamination, and cleaning/sanitising devices before and after application (disinfectant solution or rubbing alcohol are mentioned).
Best-practice checklist (quick and practical):
Keep applicators and tags clean; avoid contamination from manure or dirt.
Use the correct applicator for the device and ensure the pin is sharp and undamaged (a key driver of retention/device loss).
Disinfect the loaded applicator jaws (Allflex and Agriculture Victoria guidance supports disinfecting the applicator/tag at the point of application).
Follow disinfectant dilution instructions—Allflex warns incorrect dilution can irritate wounds.
Use appropriate restraint and apply devices quickly and decisively to minimize tissue damage and infection risk (ISC).
Guides & Related Products:
Allflex Tissue Sampling Units (TSU)
NLIS Cattle Tags |Allflex Cattle Tags
NLIS Sheep tags
