Oklahoma has had the same state brand registration fee for the past 20 years, which is why the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) proposes to raise the registration and renewal fee from $20 to $40.
“The Brand Registrar office must keep pace to provide the important service for brand owners and our industry,” said OCA President Mike Weeks in a released statement.
“Simply put, that means a reasonable fee is necessary in order to provide this valuable service.”
Weeks cited the outdated current database, the rising cost to print and mail brand books to officials, and increasing general office expenses as reasons to raise the cost.
Other states have similar fees to the suggested increased fee: Kansas registers brands for $50, New Mexico for $100 and Missouri for $35, thus the OCA board of directors concluded the $40 fee would be within reason.
“While we have been gathering verbal input from those who call in to register their brands, it is important to have a formal written comment period,” said Weeks.
A public commenting period will run from July 22 to Aug. 22, and comments may be submitted at okcattlemen.org.
