Inspection Requirements For Out-Of-Province Cattle

source: Farm and Food Report

Out-of-province ranchers, who are summer-grazing their livestock in Saskatchewan, are required to have their animals brand-inspected prior to leaving Saskatchewan in the fall.

“Every year in May, several thousand out-of-province cattle and horses arrive to spend the summer grazing on private pastures in Saskatchewan,” says Barry Belak of North Battleford, a provincial livestock investigator with the Inspection and Regulatory Management Branch of Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF).

“Out-of-province livestock that summer in Saskatchewan are welcome because they add substantially to cash flow for Saskatchewan landowners,” Belak said.

However, there’s a proper procedure to follow, that protects both the livestock owner and the landowner, he said.

“Alberta ranchers are required to have their cattle brand-inspected prior to leaving their province in the spring, and Saskatchewan requires the same livestock to be brand-inspected when they leave Saskatchewan in the fall. This procedure ensures that ranchers are returning with the correct livestock, not local animals. It’s part of doing business in Saskatchewan.”

The cost of inspection in Saskatchewan is $1.65 per animal.

Saskatchewan’s brand inspectors are located throughout the province and are only a phone call away, Belak says.

A list of inspectors is as follows: Ron Sabin, 306-446-7404, North Battleford; Les Tipton, 306-933-7660, Saskatoon; Bob Solomon, 306-786-5712, Yorkton; Dave Augustine, 306-778-8312, Swift Current; Lee Bellows, 306-694-3709, Moose Jaw; and Garth Woods, 306-435-4582, Moosomin.

Provincial Investigator offices are situated in North Battleford (306-446-7571) and Saskatoon (306-933-6781).

For more information about brand inspection, contact the inspectors or see SAF’s website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca.

For more information, contact:
Barry Belak
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 446-7571

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