It’s a scene not unfamiliar to fans of movies of the old West. The cattle brand is how you catch rustlers. It’s a way to preserve ownership of your cattle. And while it’s often associated with those cowboys of yore, the brand is still important to producers. And for Utah producers, it’s time to preserve that brand.

“Branding is critical proof of ownerships, supported in courts of law,” says Leann Hunting, UDAF director of animal industry. She adds that the brand is also a theft deterrent and can protect ranchers and their property.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is reminding ranchers across the state that the agency will be conducting brand renewals next year. This important type of “trademark protection” for a ranch is key to protecting what you own.

Utah has updated a range of permit prices, including those for registering brands. This is the most current list.

Prepare for process

Hunting notes that it’s important that industry producers understand and prepare for the renewal process. The Utah State Legislature made an update to the pricing and structure earlier in 2019. As of July 1, there is a $175 renewal fee paid once, and the registration is valid for a period of five years.

Adds Hunting: “The new brand fee structure is important to the integrity of the program. As regulatory tracking and enforcement costs continue to rise, fees commensurate with those expenses are ultimately a protective measure to our vibrant ranching industry.”

Brand renewals begin March 1 next year and are valid for five years. Registered brand owners will receive notification of the renewal process in the mail prior to Feb. 14. If notification of renewal is not received by Feb. 14, brand owners may apply online at ag.utah.gov beginning March 1 using their brand registration number. The renewal process will be done electronically, but registration through the mail may also be accepted. The table above shows the latest fee structure approved by the Utah Legislature, which took effect July 1.

Source: Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. The source is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.