Program requirements
What SheepTrace requires of you.
SheepTrace, formerly the Canadian Sheep Identification Program, is mandatory for all sheep producers, feedlot operators, auction marts, livestock dealers, and packing plants in Canada. Here is a plain-language breakdown of your obligations.
90-day transition underway. The Canadian Sheep Federation assumed stewardship of the CSIP this week. Over the next 90 days, we will be publishing updated guidance, resources, and tools. Current CSIP requirements remain in full effect throughout the transition. If you have questions about your obligations, contact us directly.
Contact Us →Your obligations
Requirements by stakeholder type
Tagging
All sheep and lambs must be tagged before leaving the farm.
All sheep and lambs must bear an approved SheepTrace RFID ear tag before leaving their farm of origin — including animals leaving temporarily for exhibitions, veterinary clinics, or community pastures. It is illegal to transport animals without an approved tag.
Tags must be purchased from an approved SheepTrace distributor.
All imported sheep must also bear an approved SheepTrace tag — see the CFIA website for import requirements.
All sheep purchased must already bear an approved SheepTrace ear tag.
Record-Keeping — Producers & Feedlot Operators
Keep records of movements into and out of your operation.
Sheep producers and feedlot operators are required to keep a record of the following movements:
All sheep or lambs entering your flock for breeding purposes.
All sheep 18 months or older leaving your farm, other than those sold directly to a federally or provincially inspected abattoir.
Auction Marts, Dealers & Packing Plants
Accept only animals bearing an approved CSIP ear tag.
Auction marts, livestock dealers, and packing plants are required to accept only sheep and lambs bearing an approved CSIP ear tag.
Deadstock Reporting
Report the tag numbers of dead animals to CLTS.
You must report the identification number of the approved and revoked tag(s) borne by the carcass to CLTS. Collect, keep in records, and report the following information:
The site from which the dead stock was removed.
The date that the dead stock was removed from that site.
The name and address of the owner or person who had the possession, care, or control of the dead stock when it was removed from that site.
How to report
Until the transition is complete, continue to submit your data to CLTS.
All traceability data — movements, acquisitions, and deadstock — must be reported to the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) until the transition to SheepTrace's database - AgroLedger - is complete in earl December 2026/
Why use AgroLedger™
Simple, efficient reporting
Record and manage your sheep traceability information in one place, with tools designed to make reporting faster and easier.
Real-time records
Your flock data is always current. Access it from any device, in the field or at the office.
Disease response ready
In the event of a disease outbreak, your records are immediately available to support rapid traceback.
100% producer-owned
Funded by the Canadian Sheep Federation and owned by Canadian sheep farmers and ranchers.
Not sure about your obligations?
We're here to help producers, dealers, and processors understand and meet their CSIP requirements. Reach out and we'll walk you through it.
Contact Us