Texas cattle brand deadline nears

All Texas cattle brands, marks and tattoos are set to expire after Aug. 30 and must be renewed by Feb. 28, 2022.

Brand owners had a grace period to re-register brands beginning Aug. 31 and failing to do so leaves their brand open for anyone to take.

Locally, all brands in Castro County must be registered through the county clerk’s office or the county in which the cattle reside. Some offices are participating in an online program and producers should check with their local county clerk.

Brand applications and renewals require a drawing of the brand that notes the location on the animal.

“The location of the brand is just as important as the brand itself. Producers can have the same brand in the same county as long as the location is different. The brand can be located on the right hip or the right hip, so the location is a part of the brand itself.

The fee varies by county, but the average fee is $26 per brand. Some counties charge an additional $5 if the brand is on multiple locations.

Although Texas does not have a statewide brand registry database, TSCRA keeps a centralized database for the association’s law enforcement purposes.

A brand is like a return address for the cattle. So, when the cattle are missing, it can be found quickly in the database and find out who that brand or who that cow belongs to. It also prevents theft. Special Rangers when suspects were interviewed, they said they avoid cattle with brands, proving it is a good deterrent for thieves.

The registration is good for 10 years and will expire Aug. 30, 2031.

Any previously recorded brand, marks and tattoos that have not been re-registered by the Feb. 28 deadline will be considered unclaimed and eligible for registration by another.

Texas Agriculture cold, Sec. 144.001 states that each person who has cattle, hogs, sheep, or goats shall have and may use one or more earmarks, brands, tattoos, or electronic devices differing from the earmarks, brands, tattoos, and electronic devices of the person's neighbors.

In Texas, it’s not mandatory to brand livestock, but if using a brand, it is mandatory it be registered and failure to do so is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

For more information, visit http://www.tscrabrands.com/r egister-your-brand.html or call 1-800-242-7820 to speak with the TSCRA Brand and Inspection Department.