PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Brand Board has approved a 45% increase in the state’s livestock ownership inspection fee after receiving only supportive testimony during a public hearing Wednesday.
The board voted unanimously to raise the fee from $1 to $1.45 per head for cattle, horses and mules sold or moved from 22 western and central South Dakota counties. The increase is expected to take effect Oct. 1, pending approval from the Legislature’s Rules Review Committee on Aug. 18.
Supporters, including representatives of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and South Dakota Farmers Union, said the increase is needed to address ongoing budget shortfalls in the inspection program.
A fiscal impact statement estimates the higher fee will generate about $675,000 annually, helping offset costs that have exceeded fee revenue in recent years and required transfers from other funds.
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