Custom Stainless Steel Freeze Brands for Cattle and Horses

Why Ranchers Choose LVR Stainless-Steel Freeze Brands

The stainless-steel construction of our freeze branding irons for sale makes them superior to brass, holding their shape exceptionally well even after long periods of use. They’re also more resistant to cracking and provide a sharper mark than brands of other materials. Our brands are made right here in North Dakota and tested under real-world ranching conditions, so you can trust the quality and performance of what we make. The 18-inch handle is designed to provide perfect ergonomics for prolonged use and balanced weight for easy handling and proper branding. All our freeze branding irons are covered by our 365-day guarantee, and any service required comes directly from LVR Livestock Brands.

How Freeze Branding Works and Why Ranchers Say It’s the Humane Choice

Unlike traditional branding irons, freeze brands use extreme cold instead of extreme heat. These irons are super-cooled using either liquid nitrogen or dry ice and alcohol. Once it’s ready, the iron is pressed against the animal’s hide to destroy the pigment-producing cells in the hair follicles, causing the hair to grow back white. This creates a permanent, high-contrast mark that remains readable throughout the year.

Research also indicates that this method is more comfortable for cattle than hot-iron branding, although the results may vary based on the animal’s species, coat, and the specific technique employed. It’s a good idea to consult with an expert before selecting any branding method for your herd to ensure you meet local regulations.

Our freeze brands are made with stainless steel, meaning they hold their temperature consistently across the face. This is why we choose it over brass alloys that can begin to warm unevenly and create illegible marks.

Freeze Branding Iron Specs and Custom Options

Our freeze brands come with standard ¼” faces, although they can be customized with 1/8” or 3/16” faces as needed for cheek or equine branding. The typical height range for characters is between two and four inches, and our team can help you determine the right choice for your specific type of livestock. Custom options also are available, with our design team providing you to-scale drawing of your designs delivered within 48 business hours. (Please be aware there is a $25 fee if you decide to cancel your custom brand order after receiving the designs.)

Choosing the Right Face Thickness and Size

Generally speaking, it’s recommended that ranchers use a two-inch-high freeze brander for calves and goats, and a four-inch-high face on mature cattle. In terms of character thickness, ¼ inch is generally recommended, using a 1/8” or 3/16” face can be used in combination with ¼ inch to give more dimension to your design or used alone for very small and intricate brand designs. Our team is here to provide you with the guidance you need to make the right choice if you’re still having trouble deciding.

Not sure what size you should order? Give us a call.

MADE BY RANCHERS FOR RANCHERS

Based in North Dakota, LVR Livestock Brands is a proud family-owned and -operated business. As ranchers ourselves, we know the difference between high-quality tools and the rest. That’s why we’re committed to providing farmers and ranchers with only the best equipment for branding their livestock — and why we brand our own herds with the very same products you’ll find here. With more than 16 years of experience producing branding irons and related accessories, you can trust our expertise to deliver the ideal solution for your needs.

Working with us is easy — all you need to do get started is send us your artwork and choose the size of your freeze branders. If we can produce your design, we’ll let you know and get straight to work on it. Otherwise, our team will work closely with you to fine-tune your ideas. Ranchers across the country trust us to provide them with custom branding irons that can stand up to the heaviest workloads.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are your freeze brands made of?

All off our freeze brands are made of quality stainless steel. All examples of livestock freeze branded on our website are also of stainless steel.

What are the advantages of Stainless steel vs. brass alloy?

Stainless steel is a much more durable material and wont crack or break. The way we make our irons they also produce a crisper finished brand image.

Can I use a Freeze Brand to hot brand?

Most freeze brands will not turn out as a hot brand due to the sizing and the lack of heat vents. The handle is also shorter and does not accommodate the fire heating process well.

How much does a custom freeze brand cost?

Because every custom brand is unique, we recommend calling for a quote. Factors that influence the cost include character height, face thickness, and total number of characters.

How long does the freeze branding process take per animal?

The application time varies based on the species and the coolant used. Branding with dry ice and alcohol typically takes between 45 and 60 seconds on mature cattle, while liquid nitrogen techniques only take about 20 to 45 seconds.

How soon does the white hair appear after freeze branding?

In most cases, freeze brands become readable after about six to eight weeks, while white hair filling in over the following months.

Can I use my freeze branding iron for hot branding, too?

Our stainless steel freeze brands are purpose-built for freeze branding, and we do not recommend using them for hot-iron branding.