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SOUTH DAKOTA STATE BRAND BOARD
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, August 4, 2008
MEDIA CONTACT: Larry Stearns, Executive Director
605.773.3324
South Dakota Brand Board:
Brand Inspection Program Transition Going Well
(Pierre, SD)—The South Dakota Brand Board reports that the recent changes to the administration of the brand inspection program are going well.
Under South Dakota law, the State Brand Board has the authority to manage the state’s brand registration, inspection and investigation systems. Until recently, the Brand Board contracted with a private contractor to perform the brand inspection portion of its duties. In December 2007, the Brand Board commissioned a feasibility study to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and other operational efficiency measures associated with using a private entity to perform brand inspections.
The study indicated there were considerable financial and operational efficiencies to be gained by combining the registration, inspection, and investigation programs under one roof. These enhancements include improved communication between inspectors and investigators leading to better response times on investigations, sharing of office staff, lower cost for some inspection forms, lower liability and worker compensation insurance costs, lower rent costs, improved pay and benefits for inspectors, and increased use of technology. As a result of the study, the Board determined a consolidated program would be in the best interests of the South Dakota livestock owners who pay the inspection fees.
The Board assumed control of the brand inspection program on July 1, 2008. Brand Board Executive Director Larry Stearns stated, “We are working hard to ensure brand inspections continue to occur in the normal course of business. We are aware of livestock owners’ needs and are working toward a smooth transition.” The Board continues to utilize the traditional system of full-time, part-time and local inspectors to perform brand inspections. Current brand inspectors and shippers’ agents are listed on the Brand Board’s website: http://www.sdbrandboard.com. “It is the Board’s goal to provide uniform, consistent and accurate inspections in a timely manner,” said Stearns.
South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Bill Even stated, “I strongly support branding as an important management tool for our state’s producers, and South Dakota ranchers must be able to continue to market their cattle in the normal course of business. I support the Brand Board as it fulfills its duties operating the registration, inspection and investigation programs. The Board’s efforts to achieve operational efficiencies while continuing to provide necessary brand inspection services show the Board intends for this meaningful program to continue in an effective manner.”
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Editor's Note: This is a news release issued by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture for the South Dakota Brand Board.