A recent incident of cattle theft has been reported by a regional producer, raising concerns among local farmers about the security of their livestock. The rise in cattle prices at sale barns and auction markets in 2026 has made livestock more attractive to thieves, especially after years marked by drought and herd reduction.
“Many of you have worked hard on your cattle farms and hold your cattle and livelihood in high regard. Current market conditions provide thieves an opportunity to take advantage of those lucrative and unattended livestock,” the statement read.
The report highlights that some individuals view stealing cattle as a quick way to make money, particularly targeting animals that are easily accessible. To address this risk, producers are encouraged to use permanent identification methods such as freeze brands and ear notches. “Branding is the most surefire way to positively identify cattle. 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.’ I have conducted numerous demonstrations over the years on freeze branding and how easy it is to get your farm’s brand registered with the NCDA & CS,” said the source.
Farmers interested in attending future branding clinics can contact 919-496-3344 for more information about sessions planned for late winter or early spring.
Additional recommended measures include restricting access to pens and pastures using locks, chains, or wildlife cameras. “Anything that causes someone to take an extra step that’s looking to steal cattle serves as a deterrent,” according to advice provided.
Other suggested practices involve not leaving cattle penned overnight, monitoring activity near high-traffic areas like highways or interstates, regularly checking and counting livestock with written records—especially when animals are kept at multiple locations—and noting any suspicious vehicles near properties.
In case of suspected theft, producers should first notify their local county sheriff’s office followed by the NCDA & CS Veterinary Division and Livestock Markets Division so information can be quickly shared with auction markets statewide.
Members of the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association (NCCA) can also report stolen livestock directly to the organization’s office. The NCCA offers a $1,000 reward program for tips leading to recovery of stolen animals and distributes crime alerts among its members. Producers are encouraged to join NCCA for access to REWARD posters available at the Franklin County Ag Center; only current paid members are eligible for reward funds if stolen livestock are recovered.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension office at 919-496-3344 or email Martha Mobley for further details.