Livestock Brands provide proof of ownership for beef cattle, dairy cows, sheep, horses and mules in the state of Idaho. Each brand must be unique, and for cattle and horses, the uniqueness of the brand can be ascertained by the location and look of the brand.
Twenty-thousand brands are registered in the state of Idaho. If a livestock animal becomes missing, the brand is the best proof of ownership.
"The brand is an animal's only return address," says Larry Hayhurst, Idaho State Brand Inspector. "It's like the license plate on your car."
Life on the Range
is an educational project that showcases stories about the ever-changing landscape of ranching, multiple-use management, entrepreneurial spirit, family and stewardship on Idaho's rangelands.
The heart-warming stories provide a rare glimpse of how our neighbors in rural Idaho work every day to improve the earth and touch people's lives in positive ways.
Life on the Range is sponsored by the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission. If you have a story idea that you'd like us to cover or comments about the project, please send us an email.
