PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -

Nacho Martinez moves cows into milking stalls at Kelsay and Son dairy farm
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The South Dakota Brand Board voted in June to raise the inspection fee from 80 cents a head to 90 cents. Approval by a legislative committee means the increase can take effect Sept. 1

Brand Board officials say the fee increase was needed because of rising costs for the inspections required before cattle, horses and mules are sold, slaughtered or moved out of the inspection area west of the Missouri River.

Brand Board director Larry Stearns says state law now makes it a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a $2,000 fine to leave the inspection area without getting an inspection.

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