The State Board of Stock Inspection Commissioners, part of the Department of Agriculture, is proposing to increase brand inspection fees and the five-year brand assessment fee to address a projected program deficit. The fee adjustments aim to ensure the continued financial stability and operations of the Brand Inspection Division, which is solely funded by these fees.
Due to increased operational expenses including vehicle expenses, personnel costs, and other overhead, expenses have surpassed revenue. To reduce the projected deficit, the Brand Board is proposing to raise inspection fees, with specific increases varying by inspection type this fall, and an increase in the assessment fee, set to begin in January 2027. Fee and assessment charges have remained unchanged since 2016.
“We have seen significant increases in costs over the past ten years, from vehicle and personnel expenses, to other operational costs,” said Brand Commissioner Todd Inglee. “To address this, we are not only proposing fee adjustments but also implementing multiple initiatives to reduce costs and increase efficiencies within the Brand Division. Our goal is to reduce expenses by $2.7 to $3 million by 2032. These efforts will help the Division remain on solid financial footing and provide the livestock industry the needed loss protection services we offer.”
The Brand Inspection Division plays a vital role in verifying ownership and protecting Colorado’s $3 billion livestock industry from loss and theft. Colorado's brand inspection fees, even with the proposed increase, are expected to remain lower than those of neighboring states.
The proposed fee adjustments will be determined through a formal rulemaking process that includes extensive stakeholder engagement.
A stakeholder meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27, at 11:00 am via Zoom. Anyone interested in attending can register for the meeting on the CDA website. Those unable to attend can provide written comments.
For more information, contact Brand Commissioner Todd Inglee or visit our website at ag.colorado.gov/brands.