Cattle Theft: Not Just a Thing of the Wild West
June 5, 2025
Written By Jacob Klaudt, K-State Research & Extension News Service
In 2025, cattle producers continue receiving record prices for their livestock at local sale barns and auction markets. While many enjoy the spoils of their labor after years of discouraging events like drought and herd reduction, this surge in value beckons unwanted attention.
Scarlett Madinger, the vice president of communications at the Kansas Livestock Association, says producers always hold their cattle and livelihood in high regard. However, current market conditions provide thieves an opportunity to take advantage of those lucrative and unattended livestock.
“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,” she says. “Livestock especially at risk are those that are easily accessible.”
With calving season wrapping up, young animals and cow/calf pairs might be more likely to fall victim to theft, depending on what criminals think they can get away with.
The first step in preventing livestock theft involves permanently identifying cattle through techniques like hot brands and ear notches. On the other hand, thieves can easily remove ear tags and other temporary identifiers.
“Branding is the most surefire way to positively identify cattle,” Madinger says. “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 crucial step in warding off theft includes restricting 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 says. “Especially if you have portable facilities or movable pens, chain those up so they’re not easily accessible to somebody looking to back up and load your cattle out.”
Other livestock theft prohibition methods:
- Do not leave cattle penned overnight.
- Be extra vigilant of activity near pens or pastures 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 vehicles driving by a property, within reason.
After a suspected crime, Madinger says producers should first contact their local county sheriff’s office, then their state 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,” she says. “The Division of Animal Health is the next one because they can send information about stolen livestock to auction markets, so they are aware of them.”
Various state organizations, such as the Kansas Livestock Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Farm Bureau, offer reward programs that lead to the arrest and conviction of cattle thieves.