2006 RFID Survey

The world of radio-frequency ID (RFID) technology is rapidly evolving, with new players joining the market and new services being offered, says Extension beef specialist Dale Blasi of Kansas State University (KSU). Blasi conducted BEEF magazine's 3rd annual survey of RFID companies.

“It's important to revisit the survey every year to be up to date, and we've done everything we can ensure we have an accurate portrayal of those companies,” he adds.

The chart below represents the U.S. cattle industry's most comprehensive look at RFID companies and the technology they offer the cattle industry.

The survey is a compilation of information provided by 37 firms involved in various aspects of RFID technology. Some offer hardware — scale heads, RFID readers, tags, etc. Others primarily offer software to accumulate the cow-herd data collected by the hardware. Others are one-stop shops offering the whole package — hardware, software and data storage.

The companies participating in this survey were asked to provide detailed information, but the chart below is just the tip of the iceberg.

To find out more about each company, visit http://beefstockerusa.org/rfid.grid.htm. There, you'll find an interactive version of this chart developed by Blasi and KSU Extension colleague Kevin Dhuyvetter. Click on the company name for background information on the firm, contact information, Web site links, the firms' partners, goals and mission.

Also included are details on the products and services offered, the specifications for use, compatible equipment, fees and much more. There's also an Excel spreadsheet calculator for estimating the costs of an RFID system.

Blasi issues one caution to users viewing the survey and the companies' information online.

“It's a survey we asked vendors to fill out, so we can't validate their claims. It's a snapshot view of who is in this particular industry,” he says.