Producers Can Protect Cattle From Theft

OMAHA (DTN) -- Cattle producers across the Midwest are receiving record high prices for their livestock. Unfortunately, this increase in value means they are also receiving some additional unwanted attention from thieves.

Rural criminals are taking advantage of those same lucrative markets and stealing unattended livestock. Cattle rustling is not just from the pages of Old West novels.

Scarlett Madinger, the vice president of communications at the Kansas Livestock Association, said in a Kansas State University Extension article, cattle thefts are occurring in the state.

"Some people see it as an 'easy way to earn a dollar' by stealing cattle; they think that they can make a quick turnaround on some dollars," Madinger said. "Livestock especially at risk are those that are easily accessible."

Younger animals and cow-calf pairs might be the most likely to fall victim to criminals. There are ways to prevent these thefts, she said.

The first step in preventing livestock theft involves permanently identifying cattle through techniques such as hot brands and ear notches. Thieves can easily remove ear tags and other temporary identifiers, according to Madinger.

"Branding is the most surefire way to positively identify cattle," she said. "If someone is trying to sell them at a regional auction market, somebody else is most likely to recognize that brand and know that 'hey, that isn't who dropped them off.'"

Another important step in limiting cattle thefts would be to restrict access to pens and pastures by using locks, chains and other security measures. Anything that causes someone to take an extra step that's looking to steal cattle serves as a deterrent, Madinger said.

Other livestock theft prohibition methods include:

-- Do not leave cattle penned overnight.

-- Be extra vigilant of activity near pens or pasture that sit near high-traffic areas like highways or interstates.

-- Check and count cattle frequently, keeping written records, especially if housed in multiple locations.

-- Take note of any suspicious or unfamiliar vehicle driving by a property, within reason.

Madinger said cattle producers should contact their local county sheriff's office first if animals are missing. They should also contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Animal Health.

"Call that county sheriff, so that they can come out as quickly as possible and take down any details," Madinger said. "The division of animal health is the next one because they can send information about stolen livestock to auction markets around the state, so they are aware of them."

Kansas Livestock Association members can report stolen livestock to the association's office. This will institute a reward program and send out more information about the crimes to other members.

Madinger said while there are several agencies within the state who will respond to theft incidents, Kansas cattle producers should also look outside of Kansas for stolen cattle. You are going to want to broaden your search radius for those counties that border Nebraska, Oklahoma or Colorado, she said.

"Your radius depends on your location and how many auction markets are nearby," she said.

The entire KSU Extension article can be viewed at

https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/….

Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com

Follow him on social platform X @RussQuinnDTN

(c) Copyright 2025 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.