Ask SAM: Brand inspectors monitor livestock movement

This column is provided by Larimer County Extension's Small Acreage Management (SAM) Program to assist rural residents.

Dear SAM,

What does a brand inspector do, and when do I need to contact one?

Derek

Dear Derek,

Brand inspectors monitor the sale and movement of cattle and equines in Colorado. Equines include horses, mules, donkeys and miniature horses.

A brand is a permanent mark on the hide of an animal registered with the state. Brands are burned into an animal's hide with an iron, just like in the old Western movies. Flame-heated and electric irons are most common. Tattoos do not qualify as brands.

Livestock are not required to be branded, and animals on small farms often are not branded. Inspection is still required, however, when unbranded animals are sold or moved. In those cases, the inspector relies on ownership papers that describe the animal's markings and history.

Horses or cattle that travel over 75 miles or out of state must be inspected within 10 days of movement. If you travel regularly with your horse, consider purchasing a permanent travel card. This allows free movement of the horse without re-inspection.

Be sure to carry ownership papers if you transport an animal on public roads. The Colorado State Patrol, local law enforcement or a livestock inspector can ask to see the papers at any time. Failure to show proof of ownership is a misdemeanor.

A brand inspector must be contacted every time cattle or equines change ownership, even if you sell an animal to a neighbor or friend. If records are incomplete because previous owners did not comply, the inspector will try to reconstruct the ownership history and contact parties to verify the ownership transfers. This can be a time-consuming process. To avoid hassles, insist on proper inspections every time you assume ownership of an animal.

A brand inspector is always present at the livestock auction yard. Non-branded calves that are about to be weaned and sold must be inspected at home with their mothers prior to going to auction. Branded animals and animals with brand papers are inspected at the auction yard, so a home inspection is not needed.

A brand inspection is also required before an animal is slaughtered.

Three brand inspectors serve the Fort Collins District. Together they inspect about 140,000 cattle and 4,000 horses each year at auction and in the country.

The Fort Collins District Brand Inspectors can be contacted at 970-490-1764. Give the inspector at least two- to three-days notice prior to when inspection is needed.

Fee schedules, regulations and other information can be found at www.ag.state.co.us/livestockinspection/LivestockInspection.html

SAM

Have a question about rural living? Write to Ask SAM, Larimer County Cooperative Extension, P.O. Box 543, Fort Collins, CO 80522.