Upcoming Stakeholder Meeting:

Colorado Department of Agriculture Proposes Increase to Brand Inspection Fees

AGPROfessionals would like to alert our clients and livestock industry partners to an important upcoming stakeholder meeting hosted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). The meeting will address a proposed increase in fees and assessments for brand inspections and related services under the state's Brand Inspection Division.

Meeting Details:

• Purpose: Discussion of proposed fee and assessment increases for brand inspections
• Hosted by: Colorado Department of Agriculture – Brands Division
• Date & Time: Tuesday, May 27th at 11:00 AM via Zoom
• Link to register for the zoom meeting: HERE
• Link to provide a written comment: If you cannot attend the meeting, you can still participate and share your views via written comment by following this link: HERE

The CDA is seeking stakeholder input to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Brand Inspection Program, which plays a vital role in livestock verification, theft prevention, and ownership documentation throughout the state. The proposed fee changes are intended to better reflect the costs of delivering these essential services and to address funding gaps that have emerged in recent years.

According to the announcement from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, “Between FY22-FY25, the Brand Division’s annual expenses have increased from $6M to a projected $7.6M. The Division’s total expenses of $34.8M since FY22 will outpace total projected revenue of $32M in FY26. This is due to significant increases in vehicle expenses, personnel costs, and operational overhead beyond the program’s control.”

“Over the past several years, the Division has had to use its cash reserves to cover the increasing expenses. Continuing at the current pace will deplete the program reserves, resulting in a significant deficit well before the 2027 assessment period.”

Why This Matters:

Brand inspections are a key element of Colorado’s livestock commerce, and any fee increase could affect operational costs for producers. Your voice and participation in this meeting are critical to ensuring that the livestock community is well represented in this decision-making process.

Additional Information:

For more details on the proposal, including the proposed new fees and to review the CDA’s official notification, please visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s website:

ag.colorado.gov/brands/brands-fee-and-assessment-increase-proposal

AGPROfessionals encourages all stakeholders to attend and engage in the discussion to help shape policies that support a fair and sustainable livestock industry in Colorado.