Tom Lozier recently retired after nearly 40 years as the brand inspector for Lincoln County. He is shown here explaining how to read the official Brand Book. Lozier enjoys spending time reminiscing about his many diverse experiences in his work. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

Wyoming’s history contains extraordinary tales of the wild west and the iconic cowboy has been branded into our minds as the symbol of Wyoming. For one cowboy, Tom Lozier, it all began when he was just a kid cutting cattle through the Cora Y, located in southwest Wyoming. Lozier’s love for cattle ranching landed him a career as a brand inspector for more than 39 years.

Recently retired, Lozier has now passed the torch, or branding iron, to a new inspector, Ethan George, who will carry on the legacy of the trade in Lincoln County.

Lozier quickly learned cowboy etiquette and how to read brands when he was growing up in a ranch family.  His parents settled their Wyoming homestead in the 1890s. “You see, dinosaurs were extinct about 8 years before I started working as the brand inspector,” said Lozier with a chuckle.

Spend any time talking with Lozier and you will soon discover that his quick wit and friendly attitude will keep you entertained for hours. “Ranch life has been a part of it for me all my life,” Lozier continued. “Reading brands was a big deal for me since day one.”

The first brand book was published in 1873 by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. But branding actually dates back even further. The ancient Egyptians began collecting animals as a commodity and used fire-heated markings to identify ownership.

Modern day branding techniques have certainly expanded over the years, bringing tattooing, micro-chipping and freeze branding to the field.

Looking back, Lozier has seen a lot of changes in the duties of a brand inspector. “All I used to have to do was inspect the brand and write up my brand papers,” Lozier said. “Then health issues got to be much more complicated and there were so many more things to worry about.”

The mission of the Wyoming Livestock Board includes brand recording, brand inspection, animal health and law enforcement.

The modern day brand inspectors take on a strong role as liaisons to the veterinary field since they are on the front lines of the livestock industry. 

“It’s not just about the brands anymore,” said George. “There are a lot of rules and regulations about the health of cows.”

Back in the 1980s there was a large brucellosis outbreak in Sublette County, and there are many other diseases like trichomoniasis (trich) and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease).

George explained that if there is a big enough outbreak, the government can quarantine the entire state. There are many precautions in place, such as the development of the Designated Surveillance Areas or DSA, where the brand inspectors are expected to heighten their observations and raise stronger awareness for the diseases.

Lincoln County’s new brand inspector, Ethan George, looks for the proper brand on a couple of bulls headed for sale. George took over for veteran inspector Tom Lozier. “It’s our job to make sure people aren’t selling cows that aren’t theirs,” George said. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

Vaccinations and strict regulatory testing are required in all areas including DSAs. Most of Lincoln County is part of a DSA for trich, and still there are many hobby farmers that may not know about the higher risks. Check with your local brand inspector or the Wyoming Livestock Board’s website for more information.

“Educating the public has been kind of a hassle for the brand inspectors,” said Lozier. “Sometimes you lose a little of your popularity over it. But I have never had to take anyone to court.”

Lozier has seen almost everything from cattle rustling to drug smuggling over the years. He recalls one story where some sheepherders were stealing cattle and started a butcher shop in the desert. The outlaws were selling meat to some shady food truck vendors quite a few years ago. Smiling, he said proudly, “We got ‘em though.”

Both George and Lozier seem to like this job for its people aspect. “I’ve got, or had, the best job in the world,” said Lozier. “It was the best job!”

He has truly enjoyed visiting with people and interacting with their livestock over the years. George made similar comments as well, proving these guys are in the right place.

George moved his family from eastern Wyoming to take this new position. He shares a similar background, coming from a ranch family in addition to holding a degree in beef management from BYU-Idaho.

“It’s a good area,” George said. “It’s a good job to have here.”

He enjoys talking with people and learning their ranching style. “It is interesting to learn how people handle their cows differently,” George continued. “Myself, I like working them on horseback, but some people prefer other ways. For example, a good cow dog can save you, but a bad cow dog can kill ya.”

Lozier ended his comments expressing gratitude for his family. They have made many sacrifices for him over the years, 24/7 on-call status means many late night phone calls and working more than being home.

And then there was that stretch of time, “I picked up a terrible disease called team-roping,” said Lozier. His love of people and livestock got him hooked into the rodeo scene for a while, he explained. It was more of an extension of his job than anything, but it just about created a divorce, being away from home a little too much, he explained.

Tom Lozier is never far from his dog, Gringo. The former brand inspector enjoys telling tales of his experience in Lincoln County after more than 39 years in the field. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

Lozier’s wife has no worries about that now. Lozier officially retired earlier this year and has passed the torch to George. The brand inspectors’ jobs are becoming more computerized as technology is a big part of this ancient profession.

“Ethan, he’ll pick that up quick.” said Lozier. “It was time for a new guy.”