Branding cattle and horses

Branding and earmarking submissions

You must consider the following submissions information when applying for a brand or earmark:

  • The exemption allowing temporary COVID-19 branding relief for cattle producers ceased as of 30 June 2023, coinciding with the scaling back of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
  • Email all brand and earmark applications to brands@daf.qld.gov.au.
  • Do not enter credit card details on the application form.
  • Payments are processed via BPoint. You will be contacted by a member of staff regarding payment when your application is being processed.
  • There is currently a 40-working day turnaround period for all applications.

Cattle must be branded when they are offered for sale in Queensland.

Exemptions exist for any of the following:

  • registered stud cattle sold at approved stud cattle sales
  • calves under 100kg live weight
  • cattle from another state or territory, if they are either:
  • taken directly to an abattoir
  • or
  • have been purchased over the scales at the feedlot in Queensland and are kept at a registered cattle feedlot in Queensland until they are slaughtered.

Branding of horses is optional in Queensland. You may only use the brand after you have it registered.

This guide provides information about branding cattle and horses and earmarking cattle in Queensland. It covers how to register a brand or earmark, change ownership and submit your annual returns.

  • Last reviewed: 1 Jul 2021
  • Last updated: 20 Jul 2023