The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association encourages all livestock owners in South Da-kota to respond to the brand program questionnaire released by the brand program evalua-tion committee.
According to SDSGA's committee representative, Don Hausle, Rapid City, S.D., any person who uses the South Dakota brand program (cattle producers, brand owners, horse owners, brand inspectors and others) is encouraged to fill out the questionnaire in order for the committee to evaluate the effectiveness of the brand inspection program. "The committee, made up of every ag organization in the state, plus a state senator, representative, county commissioner and others, will review the responses and then take steps to respond appro-priately." That might mean suggesting changes to the brand program, or simply continuing with the status quo, said Hausle, depending upon responders' issues of concern. "Maybe everyone is fully satisfied with the brand inspection, brand recording and brand investiga-tions in this state. If that is the case, we need to know. If people have concerns or suggestions we need to know about them, too, so we can make an attempt to improve the system," said Hausle.
According to Hausle, the questions can be found at www.southdakotastockgrowers.org or on member e-mails sent to SDSGA members or from any other member of the evaluation committee. For a complete list of committee members or for any other questions regarding the committee, please contact Don Hausle at 605-391-4726.
Currently the S.D. Brand Board, appointed by the governor, oversees all facets of the brand program, said Hausle.
