Time is running out to register livestock brands according to Brown County Clerk Sharon Ferguson, who reminds ranchers that the deadline is Wednesday, February 29th.
Since 1981, Title 6, Chapter 144 of the TEXAS AGRICULTURE CODE requires all livestock brands to be registered every ten years.
The re-registration period has been open since Wednesday, August 31 and will wrap up on Wednesday, February 29, 2012.
According to Ferguson, anyone who does not re-register their brand during this six month period forfeits their legal right to that brand. On Thursday, March 1, 2012 anyone who has not re-registered their livestock brand will allow their brand to become “void” in their name and will allow the brand to be open for any person desiring to record the brand in his/her name.
Agri-Life Extension Agent Scott Anderson stated in a recent AgriLife article, “A brand record contains a description of the design or elements of your brand, where on the livestock you place your brand, and any earmarks you use to identify your livestock.” He suggested a little advice for those registering a new brand, “When designing a brand keep the image simple. Simple brand designs are easier to read and are cleaner with less smudging and scaring with age.”
The recording fee will be $16.00 per location per animal plus $5.00 for each additional location for the same animal. In other words, if a person records “C” on the left hip the fee will be $16.00. If the brand is placed in a second or third location, the additional fee will be $5.00 per location.
The registration of a brand/mark is valid for ten years. A registration form can be found on the county clerk’s web site at www.browncountytx.org under County Offices tab. The form may be filed in person at the county clerk’s office. The registration form may also be mailed to: Office of County Clerk, 200 South Broadway, Room 101, Brownwood, TX 76801. For more information call the county clerk’s office at 325-643-2594. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Brown County records reflect brands that are registered in Brown County. Those who also have livestock brands registered in other counties within the State of Texas must contact the Office of the County Clerk of that county and re-register the brand in that county.
For forms and additional information, please see the links below: