Fee increase proposed for livestock owners

November 5, 2004

A fee increase is proposed to offset the higher cost of administering the state brand inspection program. The State Board of Stock Inspection will hold a hearing on December 9, 2004, in Denver, to discuss the fee increase.

"Our costs have risen dramatically, especially during the past two years, and we’re trying to maintain the same level of quality service to our customers," said Gary Shoun, brand commissioner at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. "With the change in state laws, this is the first year that we can set our own fee rates."

In previous years, the fees were determined by state statutes.

The rising operating costs include higher overhead and employee benefits as well as lower livestock numbers. Colorado has seen the lowest livestock numbers since 1966 due to the drought conditions during the past five years.

If the fees are approved, they will take effect February 1, 2005.

The Division of Brand Inspection is responsible for five principal regulatory responsibilities. Inspectors and office staff record livestock brands; verify ownership of livestock prior to a sale, movement beyond 75 miles, and slaughter; license packing plants and livestock sale businesses; license domestic elk facilities; and investigate cases of lost or stolen livestock.

Below are the proposed fee increases.

All Cattle Per Head Fee (Increases by $0.15); Country and Sale Barn Cattle $0.55; Direct to Slaughter from Feedlot <500 $0.53; Direct to Slaughter from Feedlot >500 $0.50; Direct from Certified Feedlot $0.38; Minimum Fee (Increases by $5.00); Finished Cattle from Feedlot Direct to Slaughter $15.00; Country Horses $15.00; Country Cattle $10.00 plus $0.55/head; Horse Per Head Fee (Increase by $1.00); All Market Consigned Horses $2.00; Permanent Travel Cards for Horses (Increases by $5.00) $25.00; Sheep Inspection Fee (Increases by $0.39) $0.40; Hides at Bi-Products Plants (Increases by $0.10) $0.25; Fee Waiver Applications (Increases by $25.00) $50.00; New Brand Applications, Transfers and Lease Forms (Increases by $25.00) $50.00.

For more detailed information on the proposed fee increases, contact the Division of Brand Inspection at (303) 294-0895.