PIERRE, S.D. — At least one livestock auction industry representative said they weren’t at the table to discuss controversial issues surrounding proposed legislation concerning the South Dakota Brand Board, while the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) said they were invited.

Bryce Dibbern, Region Executive Officer with the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) said that 11 livestock markets were opposed to House Bill 1020. And that for last year’s ad hoc committee and the four meetings held to discuss the measure, “not a single market was contacted by the brand board.”

But DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts said that’s not true. “They had a place at the table. (If) these 11 guys are not happy, they should have been at the table. The opportunity was there.”

The two spoke at a Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on House Bill 1020.

The bill proposes to increase the maximum allowable fees for livestock brand inspection and registration, with support from cattle groups to address rising operational costs. The bill also declares an emergency, aiming to adjust fee caps for the state’s livestock inspection services.

Lawmakers and others indicated the discussion was just one of many about the brand board. Discussion was also held on House Bill 1267 in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

The bill would create a statewide livestock ownership inspection.

A vote to defer it to the 41st day failed on a majority vote at 6-4 as three committee members were excused. The committee will address it again Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.