If you raise cattle in Arkansas, you have probably wondered whether you are legally required to brand your herd or whether doing so is simply a smart practice. The answer sits somewhere in between — and understanding that distinction can protect your livestock, your livelihood, and your legal standing.
Arkansas governs cattle branding under Act 179 of 1959, administered by the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission. Whether you are branding for the first time or renewing a long-held family brand, this guide walks you through every step of the process — from registration and design rules to what happens when something goes wrong.
Important Note: The fee figures cited in this article are drawn from Act 179 of 1959 and the Official Arkansas Brand Book. The 2024 Arkansas Code references a “reasonable fee to be determined” by the commission for registration. Confirm current fees directly with the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission before submitting your application, as amounts may have been updated.
Is Cattle Branding Required or Voluntary in Arkansas?
Registration of your brand is not required by law in Arkansas. However, brands of record take precedence over unrecorded brands of like and kind where questions of ownership arise, placing the burden of proof on the unregistered brand users in the event of controversy…