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 last week.

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.

The inspection program, which covers cattle, horses, mules, sheep, and buffalo in 22 western counties, is currently operating at a deficit. To keep the lights on, the board has been subsidizing the program with funds shifted from other departments. The brand inspection fee hasn’t increased for 13 years.

The move to increase the inspection fee was hard-fought in the 2026 legislature earlier this year, narrowly securing the required two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate before being signed by Governor Larry Rhoden—himself a Meade County rancher.

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.