1. Brands will be conflict checked against brands containing characters or character conflicts in the same or similar format.
  2. Monogram brands will be conflict checked against brands containing the same characters and character conflicts in the same orientation.

SCATTER BRANDS

  1. Scatter brands are defined as a single brand recording in which an image or images must be applied to multiple locations on a single animal.
  2. Scatter brands will no longer be issued; those currently recorded with the department will remain unless they are not rerecorded.

FEEDLOT BRANDS

  1. Feedlot brands are available subject to the following:
  2. The use of the brand is restricted to the specific feedlot recording the brand;
  3. The feedlot brand must be recorded on either hip and applied near the tail head.
  4. The recorded feedlot brand cannot be less than 2" in height.

APPEAL PROCESS

  1. 1. Applicants who feel that the Brand Recorder incorrectly denied a brand application may appeal the decision utilizing the procedures set forth in ARM 32.2.102.

BRANDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

  1. The Brands Advisory Committee is a standing committee whose duty is to assist the Board of Livestock in developing or updating the Brand Policv.
  2. The committee is assembled and chaired by the chair of the Board of Livestock.
  3. In addition to the board chair, the committee shall consist of:
  4. At least one other member of the Board of Livestock
  5. Two Members of the Montana State Legislature
  6. Preferably one member from each chamber
  7. Representatives from livestock industry stakeholder groups
  8. Stakeholder groups will be asked to nominate a representative for the committee but are not required to do so.

DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS

  1. Department of Livestock employees shall not take unfair advantage of their position to record brands.
  2. Examples of taking unfair advantage include:
  3. Recording brands by phone
  4. Recording brands for others in any manner

Effective: 4/4/2022