Brand inspectors range wide

• By SARAH CHACKO
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Mar 16, 2009 - Page: 1A

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Though technology has revolutionized the agriculture industry, some remnants of the Wild West, such as cattle theft, still linger out on the ranges of Louisiana.

“A lot of people find it hard to believe that cattle rustling exists. They think it’s an 1800s thing,” said Carl Bennett, assistant director of the Louisiana Livestock Brand Commission.

The commission was created in 1944, mainly as a central clearinghouse for the numerous brands — unique designs used by ranchers to mark their livestock — in the state’s parishes. It is set up within the state Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

In the early 1950s, brand inspectors, the law-enforcing agents of the commission, started receiving some police power. They now have full police authority.

During Hurricane Katrina,  law enforcement agencies were so strapped for manpower, armed brand inspectors helped escort diesel trucks, which were susceptible to theft, Bennett said. The inspectors also sometimes stumble upon other crimes, such as methamphetamine labs, which have become prominent in rural areas, he said.

But the commission’s focus is mainly on livestock theft, brand laws, and farm-related crimes.
They often partner with sheriff’s deputies, state police and other agencies in their investigations.

Inspectors are working a case in which more than 20,000 gallons of diesel fuel have been stolen from farmers in the Lake Charles area over the past six months, Bennett said.

Ties to farmers, ranchers
Though Louisiana has not seen a significant increase in agricultural theft since the economy went south, it is a concern, especially for farmers, he said.

“Farmers, with today’s economy, they’re really strapped hard,” Bennett said. “Someone takes a $150,000 tractor …”

Iberville Parish Sheriff Brent Allain said he welcomes brand inspectors to his parish. They have befriended farmers in the area and are familiar with the people usually involved in agricultural crimes, he said.

“Local law enforcement is so busy with their day-to-day activities of dealing with crime that they actually don’t have time to put the effort into it that the Brand Commission can put into it,” said Robert Joyner, executive vice president Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association.

Joyner said brand inspectors also have an understanding of the agriculture industry that most city law enforcement officials do not.

Bennett said most brand inspectors have law enforcement experience and have been ranchers.