The intent and purpose of this article is to improve, further develop and expand livestock production and marketing in South Carolina by encouraging livestock producers to produce a better grade and quality of livestock in order that such agricultural commodity may sell in competition with livestock produced in other areas. The livestock industry is of great economic importance, not only to the agricultural economy of this State but to the general economy of the State as well, and it is hereby determined that to encourage the production of livestock of higher quality will more fully utilize our potential of land productivity, favorable climatic conditions and other natural resources for the expansion of this important industry. Therefore, it is deemed to be in the best interest and for the advancement of the agricultural economy and the general welfare of this State to provide for the grading and inspection of livestock marketed at public livestock markets in the manner hereinafter provided.