South Dakota Lawmakers Push for Accountability as Brand Board Backlog Frustrations Mount

South Dakota’s legislative Government Operations and Audit Committee revisited long-standing concerns with the state Brand Board, as ongoing delays in livestock brand registrations continue to frustrate ranchers and lawmakers alike.

By Christal Blue May 9, 2025 11:37 am

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MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) A legislative oversight committee dipped its toe into the years-long struggle over the South Dakota Brand Board.

Complaints about a backlog of brand registrations are ongoing.

Brand Board President Scott Vance was among those appearing before the legislature’s Governor Operations and Audit Committee this morning.

Committee member, Representative Julie Auch of Yankton offered first-hand evidence of problems dealing with the Brand Board…saying she’s been waiting for a return call from the board for more than a year…

The legislature rejected a bill this year to move the Brand Board’s financial reporting functions from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to the Office of School and Public Lands.

Brand Inspectors, producers and lawmakers are calling for more accountability from the Brand Board.

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