Types of sheep and goat brands

Fire brands and paint brands may be registered for use on sheep and goats.

Paint brands

Paint brands:

  • may take the form of a letter, numeral or other shape.
  • may be registered with other shapes or designs, in which case the brand is known as a symbol paint brand.
  • do not have to be a specific size for sheep and goat brands; however, they are required to be of a practical size for legibility.
  • can only be 3 colours
    • blue
    • red
    • green.
    • Note: Use of any other colour is illegal and does not constitute proof of ownership.

Registered sheep and goat districts

Queensland is divided into registered sheep and goat districts.

Sheep brands are registered for use only within a specified district, as recorded by the Registrar. They must not be used elsewhere.

View the map and districts for registered sheep brands and earmarks (PDF, 103KB).

Assessing your paint brand application

Sheep brands that are too similar or easily changed to look like a neighbour's brand will not be registered.

If you want to use a sheep brand in a district other than the one it is registered to, you must notify the Registrar. The brand will automatically be cancelled, and you will need to apply for the brand in the new district.

If you want to use the brand in a different sheep district in addition to the original district, you must:

  • apply to register the same brand in the new district (if available)
  • or
  • apply for a new brand in the new district.

Important: There is no guarantee you will be able to re-register the same brand in a new district.

Branding positions

Paint brands are registered in a specific colour for use in a specified position.

The only branding positions that may be registered are:

  1. between shoulders
  2. near shoulder
  3. off shoulder
  4. middle of back near rib
  5. off ribs
  6. near rump
  7. off rump
  8. top of rump.

Note: 'Off' refers to the right side of the animal and 'near' refers to the left side of the animal.

View the positions for paint branding image in the Sheep and goat brands and earmarks owners' manual (PDF, 103KB).

How to apply for a sheep or goat brand

Your brand must be registered before it can be legally used in Queensland.

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.

Applying for a paint brand

To apply, submit your completed application for a sheep brand and/or earmark with the correct fee. Include the property identification code (PIC) with your application to make sure your brand is established in the correct district.

Applications are processed in the order we receive them and only if they have been fully completed.

When the brand has been approved, you will be issued a registration certificate. It is your responsibility to organise and pay for the sheep brand. Sheep brands must be made to the exact shape shown on your certificate of registration.

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