Current prices for livestock markets have made cattle more valuable, which can put animals at a higher risk of being stolen.

With bottle calves and cow-calf pairs being common targets, Kansas Livestock Association Vice President of Communications Scarlett Madinger says brands are the most important way ranchers can protect their livestock.

Madinger says it's important for ranchers to keep track of their livestock just in case some do go missing.  Madinger says restricting access to pens and pastures can also help reduce the chances of theft.