Cattle brand books explore unique agriculture history

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections has some brand-new additions to its collection: More than 70 South Dakota brand books and other items from the history of branding in the state.

Since the 19th century, all brands and their owners across the state have been published in books.

The earliest editions reflect the open-range practices of the frontier era. Over time, the books mapped the expansion and movement of livestock and, in more modern times, helped trace the origins of disease outbreaks.

The brand books — one of the most comprehensive collections in the state — arrived in the

SDSU Archives and Special Collections in Brookings thanks to Myron Sonne.

The retired agriculture educator at Mitchell Technical College raised registered Black Angus cattle near Letcher for nearly four decades and has been an avid collector of brand books and related memorabilia for almost two decades.

He first started learning about South Dakota’s laws about brands when he taught an agricultural law class. His students asked him questions that he couldn’t answer. Seeking out those answers led to a new obsession that he pursued in his retirement.

When it comes to finding a new addition, Sonne said it mostly comes down to luck.

“Or being at a sale and something’s happening. Checking online can be good. Sometimes the people you know who know you’re looking will lead to getting books,” he said.