Cattle-Branding Could Take Back Seat Under USDA Proposal

By Mike Mestas

NBCMontana.com

April 20, 2011 

LIVINGSTON, Mont. -- The western tradition of Spring branding could be on the line if a proposal by the USDA goes through.

Although it wouldn't go away entirely, branding could take a back-seat to the practice of ear-tagging cattle. The proposal says ear tags should be the federal standard for identifying livestock.

It would not mean that branding would be outlawed, but instead, states would make their own decision on what would be the method of tracking the animals.

Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg however, says the practice is a western tradition,and the proposal would diminish its importance.

Rehberg sent a letter to Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on Tuesday asking him to "...preserve the hot-iron brand as a method of livestock identification for animal identification and traceability."

Aside from its tradition, Rehberg also thinks the move could make selling cattle out of state could be more complicated. 

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