Launy Ringleman, left, and new Chase County brand inspector Mikaela Walker observe cattle brought into the Imperial Auction Market Tuesday. (Johnson Publications photo)
The Chase County brand inspection team of, from left, Bill Greeley, Kris Jardine, Mikaela Walker and Launy Ringleman were recognized at Tuesday’s auction at the Imperial Auction Market. Ringleman is retiring as brand inspector later this month. (Johnson Publications photo)
Ringleman retiring as brand inspector
Launy Ringleman has been the cattle brand inspector in the Chase County area for 28 years.
Five years before that was spent as brand inspector in the Scottsbluff area.
Ringleman will retire from his position later this month.
Taking over Ringleman’s full-time position is Mikaela Walker.
Walker grew up on her family’s ranch near Arthur.
“We just want people to know that they need to call her now,” Ringleman said.
Walker has been living in Imperial and assisting Ringleman since September.
“I’ve been showing her the area and introducing her to as many of the area ranchers as I can,” he said.
Another aspect of Walker’s training since she arrived is how to get to area ranches.
“I showed her how to get to Haigler via dirt roads this week,” Ringleman said.
Nebraska brand inspectors
The Nebraska Brand Committee was created by the Legislature in 1941 to inspect cattle and investigate missing and/or stolen cattle.
It is a self-supporting cash fund agency. Operating funds come solely from fees collected for brand recordings, brand inspections and registered feedlots and dairies.
There are two reasons for brands: accurate tracking of animal sales and to prevent poaching.
“Inspect, record and police” is the motto of the brand inspectors.
The “cow police” are at all sales at the Imperial Auction Market, where they inspect brands of cattle for sale.
“If something’s off, funds are held until we can check it out,” Walker said at Tuesday’s sale in Imperial.
For brand-related questions or information, contact Walker at 308-764-7169.