Photo: ndstockmen.org/news
This year, the countdown to the new year is also a countdown to North Dakota’s brand renewal deadline, Dec. 31, 2025, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) Brand Recorder Joan Zimmerman reminded livestock producers. “Brandowners have just a few more weeks to get their brand renewal forms in before their brands expire, so time is of the essence. It’s important to get that done before the calendar page flips to 2026.”
North Dakota Century Code requires livestock producers to renew their brands every five years, and 2025 is the brand renewal year. If not renewed by the deadline, brands will be considered expired and the proceeds of the livestock wearing those expired brands will be held until proof of ownership can be established or the brands are renewed, Zimmerman explained.
“Nobody wants that hassle — brand inspectors included — so I urge producers to get their paperwork in before the deadline to avoid any marketing disruptions. This will also ensure their brand is included in the 2026 North Dakota Brand Book, which will be published early next year,” Zimmerman said.
Once renewed, brands will be good until Dec. 31, 2030.
While the NDSA has processed thousands of brand renewals already, there are many that have not yet been turned in, Zimmerman said.
“If for some reason you did not receive your blue brand renewal form in the mail back in August when they were sent, please contact our office immediately to request a new form,” she said. Brandowners can either call (701) 223-2522 or e-mail renewalquestions@ndstockmen.
“A recorded brand is the title to your livestock and the best return address for those animals,” Zimmerman concluded. “Our team wants to make sure yours is active and working for you, so please return your form as soon as possible. The only ball we want to see dropped in the new year is the one at the stroke of midnight at Times Square, not a missed renewal that turns into an expired brand and marketing headaches down the road.”
ND Stockmen’s Association
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