The South Dakota Brand Board has approved a 45 percent increase in the livestock ownership inspection fee, raising it from $1 to $1.45 per head. The increase takes effect October 1st if it’s approved by the Legislature’s Rules Review Committee in the upcoming week. The fee applies to cattle, horses and mules sold or moved from 22 western and central South Dakota counties. The inspection fee hasn’t changed in 13 years. Supporters, including the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and South Dakota Farmers Union, say the increase will help put the inspection program on more stable financial footing. The higher fee is expected to generate about $675,000 a year.
