Oregon lawmakers hear proposals to shore up flagging brand inspection program, consider fee increases and a sunset

Senators heard testimony Thursday on two linked proposals to stabilize Oregonbrand inspection program: a staff summary of Senate Bill 986 said it would appropriate $1,200,000 to the Department of Agriculture to cover the programshortfalls; Senate Bill 1019 would raise per-head inspection fees, increase activation fees and place a repeal date (sunset) of Jan. 2, 2028, on the state-run brand program while allowing counties to create their own brand systems.

Senator Todd Nash, the sponsor of SB 986 and author of SB 1019, told the committee the brand inspection program had been self-funded for years but slid into deficit after fee increases were delayed and program costs rose. "They are bleeding out about $40,000 a month right now," Nash said, and staff implemented the full $1.35-per-head fee in October 2024 after prior delays. The $1.2 million request, Nash said, is an estimate to bring the program back to balance.

The issue drew consistent support from livestock producers, county-level industry representatives and the Oregon Cattlemen's Association. Dina Fiddler,…