Livestock Services Corporation of Saskatchewan (LSS) recently announced fee increases for brand inspection services and for brand registration.聽 The fee increase will come into effect January 2, 2015.
The cost of inspection will increase by $0.75 per animal to $2.75, while the cost of registering or renewing a brand will increase from $25 to $50 for a four-year registration and from $200 to $600 for a lifetime brand registration. A Livestock Dealer License will also increase from $100 to $200.
鈥淎s an industry operated organization, LSS manages on a cost recovery basis,鈥� LSS President Harold Martens said.聽 鈥淭hese increases are reflective of the cost of providing these services and will ensure LSS continues to offer services that are important to cattle producers.鈥�
鈥淏rand inspectors play an important role in Saskatchewan鈥檚 livestock industry by helping verify ownership,鈥� Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said. 鈥淭hese fee increases will ensure that LSS is able to provide effective brand inspection service and maintain a sustainable organization into the future.鈥�
The decision to increase fees was passed by the LSS Board after industry consultation with the Saskatchewan Cattlemen鈥檚 Association, the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association and Livestock Marketers of Saskatchewan.
鈥淎s brand inspection is such an important process in the identification of ownership and sale of our livestock, we support the cost recovery of this process,鈥� Saskatchewan Cattlemen鈥檚 Association Chair Paula Larson said.聽聽 鈥淭oday鈥檚 prices make identification of ownership more important than ever, but today鈥檚 prices also make this increase an acceptable cost of doing business.鈥�
鈥淪ome might think that cattle theft is a thing of the wild west,鈥� Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Doug Gillespie said. 鈥淏ut just recently the LSS has proven how important it is to have these services offered in Saskatchewan. Cattle are a rancher鈥檚 biggest asset and it is important that there is the ability to prove ownership to prevent theft.鈥�
鈥淚t is important that organizations such as the LSS continue to exist,鈥� Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association President Bill Jameson said. 鈥淭he work of brand inspectors and the LSS plays a significant role in keeping our livestock industry safe and sustainable.鈥�
LSS provides efficient brand inspection in the province. LSS is a non-profit corporation owned and operated by the five main livestock producer groups requiring inspection services: Saskatchewan Cattlemen鈥檚 Association, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association, Saskatchewan Horse Federation and Livestock Marketers of Saskatchewan.
