An Electronic Identification (EID) Tag Reader captures the data that's stored in a microchip-embedded transponder ear tag, allowing one to monitor each animal's progress, performance, and problems until marketed. Knowing such can lead to better-informed management decisions regarding nutrition, health, mating, culling, etc. An EID reader (whether stick/wand- or panel-type) can be used at a relatively safe distance from the animal, and also allows for instant editing/customizing of the animal's tag-stored data.