At the Quarterly Committee meeting of the Nebraska Brand Inspection Committee on June 11, 2024, it was decided to increase the brand inspection price per head from $0.85 to $1.00.
This comes after a ruling by the Nebraska Legislature at a 2021 session where the reduction was imposed in order to deplete the Brand Committee’s cash reserves. Efficiencies gained from the electronic brand inspection program and other advancements are to blame for the rise in cash reserves over time. Those efficiencies helped offset surges in hard costs including wage increases to stay competitive in the job market and federal mileage reimbursement costs.
However, by the end of the 2024 fiscal year it was determined that the reserves would return back to an acceptable amount according to the Committee; preset to be between 20%-40% of the annual operating budget.
The increase to $1.00 will start October 1, 2024 on all inspections performed. This will not impact RFL renewals paid as of July 1, 2024 but will be in effect for the July 1, 2025 renewal. No other price increases for services will occur at this time.
Also, during the June meeting the newest appointed and confirmed Brand Committee member was introduced being Brenda Masek, a cow-calf producer from Purdam.
During the last month of legislative session, NBC was pleased to have Vice-Chairman Chris Gentry, a cow-calf producer from Hyannis, re-up for appointment and he was also confirmed by the Legislature. Each Committee member serves a 4-year term after being appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature.