What Is a Livestock Bill of Sale?
A livestock bill of sale is a legal document that records the sale and transfer of farm animals from one party to another. It helps prove ownership of farm animals and protects both the buyer and seller by documenting the sale and preventing future disputes.
You can use a livestock bill of sale when selling animals such as:
- Cattle
- Goats
- Sheep
- Pigs
- Poultry
This document includes key details about the animals and the terms of the sale, like the price and transaction date. A livestock bill of sale form should be signed by both parties to be valid.
Certain animals, like horses, may require a separate horse bill of sale. However, a livestock bill of sale can usually be used for most farm and ranch animals.
When to Use a Livestock Bill of Sale
You may use a bill of sale for livestock whenever you’re buying, selling, or transferring ownership of farm animals. This document serves as a written record of the sale, which can be helpful in case disputes arise later.
Here are some common scenarios where using a livestock bill of sale may be helpful:
- Private sale between individuals or farms: A livestock bill of sale can help document the sale terms and prove ownership outside of formal auctions.
- Livestock auction or 4-H/FFA project sales: This document provides a formal record of animals sold through youth agricultural programs or judged events.
- Gifting or transferring ownership without money: A bill of sale for livestock can help document the change in ownership for the animal when no payment is involved or when the transfer is simply a gift.
- Selling animals for breeding, meat, or dairy production: A livestock bill of sale can clarify the intended use of the animal and outline any conditions or warranties.
- Transporting livestock across state lines: You may need a livestock bill of sale to show proof of ownership to meet inspection, disease control, or transport regulations.
- Filing farm taxes: A livestock bill of sale form can help track income from sales and help you deduct eligible livestock-related expenses.
Some states have specific legal rules that require written documentation to verify livestock ownership. Since these laws can vary, it’s a good idea to check with your state’s Department of Agriculture or livestock board before completing a sale. Here are a few examples:
- California requires sellers to provide a written bill of sale or transaction memo for cattle under California Food and Agricultural Code § 16521.
- Montana requires brand inspections and ownership documents before livestock can be sold or transported across the county or state lines, as per Montana Code § 81-3-211.
- Texas does not require one in private sales, but documentation is still expected at public livestock auctions under Texas Agriculture Code Title 6, Ch. 146.
- New Mexico requires a livestock bill of sale to transfer livestock ownership, and it must identify the animals by marks or brands as defined in New Mexico Statutes § 77‑9‑22.
You can use Legal Templates’s free livestock bill of sale to ensure you don’t miss any important details. Our guided form makes it easy to fill out your information quickly, and you can download your finished form in minutes.
How to Write a Livestock Bill of Sale
To ensure your livestock bill of sale is legally valid and easy to understand, here are the key details you should include:
1. Parties’ Names and Addresses
Begin by including the full legal names and mailing addresses of both the buyer and the seller. This clearly identifies the parties involved in the sale.
2. Description of Livestock
Clearly list the animals being sold with details such as:
- Type (for example, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, etc.)
- Breed
- Age
- Gender
- Color
- Identifying marks, such as ear tags, brands, tattoos
These details can help confirm the specific animal that is involved in the sale.
3. Purchase Price
State the total price that has been agreed upon between the buyer and seller. If you’re selling more than one animal, you can include a total or list the price for each.
4. Payment Terms
Explain how and when the buyer will pay. Note if the buyer is:
- Paying in full up front
- Making a deposit with the rest due later
- Paying in installments
Include the payment deadlines and accepted methods, such as cash, check, or wire transfer.
5. Delivery Details
Write down where and when the animals will be delivered or picked up. Ensure that you clarify who will be responsible for transportation and what happens if the livestock is delayed, injured, or not collected. This can help you avoid future arguments, confusion, and blame.
6. Representations and Warranties
If you’re offering any guarantees, state them in this section. For example, you may state that the animal has undergone a veterinary exam and include that:
- The animal is in good health
- The animal is fertile or suitable for breeding
- The animal is up-to-date on vaccinations
- This animal has a clean health record
If you’re not making any promises about the animal’s condition, include an “as-is” clause to show the livestock is being sold without warranties and in its current health condition. This helps protect the seller in case any issues arise later.
7. Signatures
Both the buyer and the seller should sign and date the document. This confirms that both parties agree to the terms of the sale and understand their responsibilities. A signed bill of sale also helps prevent disputes by showing that the transaction was accepted by all parties.
8. Notarization (Optional)
Notarizing the livestock bill of sale isn’t a requirement. However, it can offer extra protection. You can use a free notary acknowledgment form if you decide to notarize your livestock bill of sale.
Sample Livestock Bill of Sale Template
View a sample livestock bill of sale template below to see what information to include in your form. Then, use our step-by-step questionnaire to customize your livestock bill of sale form and download it in PDF or Word format.
