Electronic livestock brand inspection program replaces paper records in North Dakota

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association is rolling out an electronic brand inspection records program for individuals who sell livestock.

The

NDSA brand inspection office

launched the electronic program, which will replace paper brand inspection records, on Sept. 25, 2023. Work on the electronic program began about a year and a half ago.

Corby Ward, North Dakota state brand inspector, used the electronic program to record brands later that same week. The state’s brand inspectors will transition from paper records to the electronic program during the next several months, 15 to 20 inspectors at a time, Ward said.

North Dakota requires that cattle, horses and mules must be inspected before leaving the state and the inspection paper must be with the livestock traveling to their destinations. Livestock also must be inspected before they are sold at auctions.

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association was formed in 1929 in Watford City, North Dakota, in response to

concerns about cattle rustling

. Identifying stolen or missing livestock is easier if it has a brand that is registered with the NDSA, the association said.

The fee for brand inspection is $1.50 per animal.

There is a one-time $25 inspection and permit fee for a permanent horse permit, which is good for the life of the horse if the person who was issued the permit is the animal’s owner. The NDSA brand inspection office encourages horse owners who travel frequently with their animals to consider getting the permanent permit.

Livestock sellers should give brand inspectors 24 hours notice, especially during busy seasons, the

NDSA website

said. Brand inspections must be performed during daylight hours.

North Dakota has about 160 brand inspectors, Ward said.

Each inspector will be issued an iPad, printer and embosser for the electronic records program. The inspector will input information into the iPad, then print out two copies and emboss them on site. The seller of the livestock will receive one copy and the North Dakota brand inspection office will receive the other.

The electronic program will reduce paperwork and the chances of making errors, Ward said. Instead of numerous forms that have to be inspected by brand office personnel and then sent back and forth between the inspection office and the brand inspectors, a single file will be uploaded on a computer.

Eventually, the NDSA brand inspection office also will have an electronic program for sale barns. Montana already has an electronic program at its sale barns, Ward said.

Ann is a journalism veteran with nearly 40 years of reporting and editing experiences on a variety of topics including agriculture and business. Story ideas or questions can be sent to Ann by email at: abailey@agweek.com or phone at: 218-779-8093.