While I don't have this word for word, SD does it similar to MT.....on the west side of the MO river.
With the exception that cattle that can't be identified end up in the coffers of either the State Brand Board, which is sort of under the umbrella of the SD Dept of Ag, but is financially independent, I believe, with costs paid out the brand inspection fee system.
The actual brand inspection system is operated at a profit by the SD Stockgrowers, with little or no restriction of how they use the money. The Brand Board contracts out the inspection to SDSGA. The BB is responsible for investigations of theft, I belive.
Not sure what happens east of the MO river. They can have registered brands, and I've been told they also may use any brand or mark not registered to someone else in the state. I don't recall how inspctions are handled east river. Maybe local law investigates lost cattle. Not sure of it.
MRJ