OGALLALA – A press release from the Nebraska Brand Committee regarding the June 11 quarterly meeting has indicated it was determined that the brand inspection charge will be raised from the current $.85 per head back to $1.00 per head.
In the 2021 session, the Nebraska Legislature imposed a two year reduction of fees to assist in depleting the Brand Committee’s cash reserve account that had grown due to efficiencies gained with the implementation of the electronic brand inspection program and other advances and improvements. Those efficiencies helped offset surges in hard costs including wage increases and federal mileage reimbursement costs. At the end of the 2024 fiscal year, it was determined that the cash reserve account has been reduced to the required threshold deemed acceptable by the Committee (between 20-40% of the annual operating budget).
The increase to $1.00 will start October 1, 2024 on all inspections performed. RFL renewals paid as of today (July 1) will not be impacted but will be in effect for July 1, 2025 renewal.
Also during the June meeting, Brenda Masek a cow-calf producer from Purdam was introduced as the newest appointed and confirmed Brand Committee member. Vice-Chairman Chris Gentry of Hyannis re-upped for appointment and was confirmed by the Legislature during the last month of the legislative session. Each committee member serves a four year team after being appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature.
