Livestock farmers in North Dakota are eagerly getting ready to send their cattle out to pasture as they bid adieu to a snowy winter and embrace the coming of spring. This preparation for many cattle ranchers includes branding, an essential step to guarantee appropriate identification and guard against loss and theft.
The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) emphasizes the importance of registered brands in proving ownership. Getting a distinctive brand can be difficult given that the state already has over 22,000 brands recorded. Corby Ward, Chief Brand Inspector, emphasizes the importance of making sure each brand is distinctive and complies with state legislation.
Producers can choose from a variety of brands. Letters, symbols, numbers, or a combination of these can all be used as part of a brand. However, there are certain limitations. The numbers 0 or 1, Gs, Qs, and completely upright figures on cattle hips cannot be recorded by the NDSA. Symbols cannot be placed inside of other symbols. Arrows, boxes, slashes, bars, diamonds, quarter circles, rafters, mill irons, hearts, triangles, stars, and crosses are among the symbols that are usable.
Producers should consider potential similarities or confusion caused by similar characters to avoid conflicts with existing brands. Avoid brands with complex lines and sharp corners to avoid illegibility or confusion.
Producers can configure brands in various ways, such as straight away, diagonal, stacked, or connected, and explore alternative directions and character orientations for successful brand application.
Producers should plan ahead to record a brand in North Dakota, as the process can take up to two weeks during busy seasons or when preferred choices are unavailable.
They can get in touch with the NDSA office directly at (701) 223-2522 if they want more details on brand recording or inspection.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-Jacqueline Nix
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock