PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Larry Rhoden has appointed Kory Bierle and Ross Cuny to the South Dakota Brand Board.
Rhoden also outlined expectations for improving the South Dakota Brand Board’s operations in a memo to board members Feb. 12.
Those include collaborating with other state brand boards and working with law enforcement agencies to integrate brand checks with traffic stops, weigh stations and ports of entry. Rhoden also asked for an update on technology upgrades and asked the director to look into the possibility to expanding the powers of brand investigators beyond enforcing the brand law.The Governor also outlined his expectations for continued improvement in the Brand Board’s operations. He sent those directives in a memo to the Brand Board members.
“Our livestock industry is built on hard work, stewardship, and trust, and the Brand Board helps safeguard those values,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Kory and Ross bring generations of ranching experience, and I am confident their leadership will help preserve the integrity of our livestock industry and protect producers.”
Kory Bierle is a fifth-generation rancher who operates Madsen Ranch Land & Cattle, a commercial cow/calf operation near Midland, S.D., that focuses on sustainability and conservation. He also serves as the Southern Regional Director of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association.
“I would like to thank Governor Rhoden for the opportunity to serve on the Brand Board of South Dakota,” said Bierle. “I consider it an honor to help administer the registration and ownership inspection programs of the Board to help ensure that this historic program can continue to help preserve the privileges of personal property ownership for all of South Dakota.”
Ross Cuny is a fifth-generation rancher from Buffalo Gap, S.D. A University of Wyoming range management graduate, he has ranched full-time since 2005.
“I am deeply honored by Governor Rhoden’s appointment of me to the South Dakota Brand Board,” said Cuny. “I am excited to help advance the board’s mission and make meaningful impact for our state.”
Memo to Brand Board members from Governor Larry Rhoden:
Corrective Action: Review, further develop, implement, and maintain check cashing internal control policy.
Corrective Action: Convene Law Enforcement agencies (i.e. DPS, sheriffs) together to integrate brand checks with other duties at traffic stops, weight stations, or ports of entry
Corrective action: Convene together Brand Board leadership, the Executive Director, and investigators with other state brand boards including North Dakota, to discuss administrative and investigative best practices and strategies to improve collaboration
Corrective Action: Direct the Executive Director to issue a memo to the Board detailing status of technology upgrades and present during May’s Board meeting
Corrective Action: Direct the Executive Director to issue memo to the Board on the benefits and consequences of expanding brand investigator enforcement powers beyind arrest authority for brand law enforcement regulations and present during June’s Board meeting.
Progress reports detailing efforts are due April 1, May 15 and June 30 to the Governor’s Office and DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts.
