Brand inspection fees levied by the Colorado State Department of Agriculture will be higher this year, according to an announcement from the agency. The fee increase includes cattle, horse, and sheep inspection, as well as brand registration, assessment and cancelled brand reinstatement fees.
It is the first time inspection fees have increased in 10 years.
"Brand inspection fees have not increased since 2005, meanwhile the livestock market has changed dramatically and the cost of providing the services the industry expects from us has increased. The new fees are a reflection of those changes," said CDA brand commissioner Chris Whitney in a statement announcing the fee increase.
Colorado law and regulations require that livestock be inspected before any change in ownership, transport over 75 miles within the state, transport to a designation outside of Colorado, transport to sale and transport to slaughter.