Livestock brands need to register with state agriculture.

Secure Your Livestock Brand: A Call to Action for Hawaiʻi Ranchers

Attention all livestock owners in Hawaiʻi! You have until December 31, 2025 to reregister your livestock brands with the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, or you risk losing your cherished branding rights. This crucial step ensures the identity and authenticity of your livestock brand, which is more than just a mark—it’s your legacy.

The Importance of Brand Registration

In Hawaiʻi, livestock branding isn’t just a tradition; it’s a legal requirement. While not all livestock owners choose to brand their animals, those who do must register every five years to maintain the validity of their brand. The registration fee is a mere $10, a small price to pay for safeguarding your ownership rights.

As of 2025, there are 803 registered brands in the state—a testament to the vibrant ranching culture that defines Hawaiʻi. However, if you miss the December deadline, you could lose your brand to another aspiring owner. Dr. Isaac Maeda, the state veterinarian, warns: “Owners of existing brands may re-register at any time before Dec. 31, 2025. If they do not re-register by this date, they may potentially lose the right to their brand if someone else applies for it.”

Understanding the Branding Process

Typically, cattle are branded before reaching one year of age, providing a permanent and unique identification that traces back to their owners. Hawaiʻi is home to nearly 1,100 cattle operations, with herds ranging from large-scale operations of 25,000 head to smaller farms with just a handful of cattle.

The Animal Disease Control Branch (ADCB) plays a vital role in overseeing this branding process. They meticulously review brand applications to ensure that each brand is unique and not too similar to others already registered. This system is essential, especially in the Western U.S., where cattle must often undergo brand inspections before moving across state lines.

Your Steps to Secure Your Brand

Don’t wait until the last minute to secure your brand! To view the registered brands in the Hawaiʻi Brand Book, visit the official site. There, you can also find the registration form needed for your brand renewal at this link.

If you have further questions or need assistance, please contact the Animal Disease Control Branch at 808-483-7106 (O‘ahu) or email dab.adc@hawaii.gov.

Time is of the essence! Ensure your livestock brand remains a symbol of your heritage by reregistering today. Don’t let your legacy fade away.