Less US cattle branding

The difference in brand locations affects the overall economic value of the animal, with a lack of branding realising the highest value.

The US Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) has welcomed a new report issued on behalf of the country’s cattle and beef industry, which suggests continued improvements in cattle hide quality. The document, which tracks US cattle and beef industry quality statistics, found that in 2016, nearly 75 per cent of all harvested steer and heifer beef animals did not have hot-iron branding marks. Of those that were branded, the majority of marks were located on the butt, which is the hide and leather industry’s preferred location.

According to the report, 74.3 per cent of cattle had no brand – a marked improvement over the 55.2 per cent of cattle without a brand in 2011 – and when compared to the 55 per cent of non-branded cattle in 1991 (when the first report was issued).

“This report demonstrates a clear increase in the quality of US cattle hides used for leather production in recent years,” stated Mr Sothmann. “It highlights the commitment of the US cattle rancher to produce the highest quality product for all consumers, including global leather consumers.”

The number of cattle with multiple brands fell from 9.9 per cent in 2011 to 1.6 per cent in 2016. Likewise, the amount of hides with ‘side brands’ located on the side, shoulder or rib cage area of the animal, decreased from nearly 14 per cent in 1991 to 6 per cent in 2016. The difference in brand locations affects the overall economic value of the animal. A complete lack of brands on the hide will realise the highest price per head, while on average, the presence of butt brands reduces the hide value by $1-2, and side branded hides can be worth $10-12 less. 

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 6 of the October 2017 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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