Selling or purchasing livestock privately can seem an easy and straightforward ordeal – so much so that you decide to forgo the paperwork and just exchange ownership. But did you know that you cannot prove ownership of livestock as a buyer without a record of the transaction? As a seller, are you aware that a buyer could hold you liable for defects discovered in the livestock after the sale if you have no papers proving transfer of liability?
A livestock bill of sale is undoubtedly an integral part of any transaction between two parties involving farm animals. This article reviews what it is and how you can use it to sell or buy horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and camels, among other livestock.
What Is a Livestock Bill of Sale?
A Livestock Bill of Sale is a formal document that captures the transfer of ownership and liability for a farm animal such as a cow, pig, chicken, or horse. It can be used for single sales or multiple ones, including a maximum of nine livestock. Essentially, it indicates that two parties, the buyer and seller, have agreed to exchange the farm animals for a specified price to be paid on a set date of transaction.
Livestock Bill of Sale (Word Template)
A livestock bill of sale form is a fillable, printable document that can be completed to record a transaction in which farm animals exchange ownership from one party to another. It typically includes a table where the seller can record the sale of one or up to nine animals.
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
When to Use It
You should use a livestock bill of sale any time livestock changes hands through a private transaction such as a private auction or sale. The document will record the sale or purchase by capturing the following key details: the
- Date of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Livestock description by color, number, kind, weight, brand, markings, health, and vaccinations.
- Purchase price
- Inspection period and security deposit (if applicable)
- Buyer and seller signature and signature dates
- Witness signatures and signature dates (if any)
Both parties must maintain a copy of the bill of sale as protection in the event of a dispute. If you are looking for additional insurance, you can also have the bill of sale notarized by a notary public.
The Dos and Don’ts of Selling Livestock
Selling livestock can prove tricky and risky if you are not careful about how you negotiate prices and present your farm animals. The following dos and don’ts should help you get the best deals possible:
Do:
- Conduct market research to find out the best prices for your livestock.
- Be honest in your livestock descriptions and listings.
- Take clear pictures of the animals.
- Get your livestock inspected by a professional.
- Identify the lowest price you are willing to accept before you start negotiating.
- Re-advertise to attract more potential buyers.
Don’t
- List old or sick livestock.
- Overcharge your buyer or undersell your livestock
- Exaggerate or lie in your listing
- Sell to someone with no know-how or equipment to raise farm animals
- Fail to complete the bill of sale
How to Write a Livestock Bill of Sale
Now that you know what goes into selling livestock, you should familiarize yourself with the creation process of the Livestock Bill of Sale. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Indicate the current record as a reference point.
Step 2: Supply the buyer and seller names and mailing addresses. It is crucial to bring your government-issued ID and ask the buyer for theirs so you can both verify each other’s identities.
Step 3: Describe the livestock to be sold by:
- Brand – the branding location on the animal
- Kind, e.g., chicken cow, sheep, etc.
- Number – the animal’s serial number as indicated on a branding, ear tag, or tattoo
- Weight in pounds or other
- Age in months or years
- Sex
- Notes, i.e., other essential details about the animal
Step 4: Enter the purchase price, payment method, and date of payment.
Step 5: Sign the bill of sale, have the buyer do the same, and include the signature dates.
Tip: If either party is unavailable to sign the bill of sale by hand, they can do it electronically.
Step 6: If any witnesses are present, have them sign the bill of sale. You can also have the document notarized, which is optional unless your State requires it.
Livestock Bill of Sale Form Format
This is a Bill of Sale created on {agreement date} to record the transfer of possession of livestock between {buyer’s name} of {mailing address}, hereafter known as the Buyer and {seller’s name} of {mailing address}, hereafter known as the Seller. The parties agree to the following terms:
Livestock Description. The Seller agrees to sell the Buyer livestock described as {color, gender, brand, weight, number, other descriptions}.
Purchase Price: The Buyer agreed to pay a purchase price of {amount in dollars} for the described livestock through {payment method} on {date}, hereafter referred to as the Date of Sale.
Deposit: The Buyer agrees to pay a deposit in the amount of {amount in dollars}, which will be counted towards the total purchase price. OR, The Buyer agrees not to make a deposit.
Inspection: The Buyer agrees to have the livestock inspected by a third-party health expert within {duration}. The Seller agrees to return the Buyer’s deposit and terminate the agreement immediately if said inspection turns up any abnormalities or defects on the livestock.
Governing Law: This sale agreement is governed by the laws of the State of {state name}.
Signatures: This agreement shall be considered binding upon the execution of the following signatures:
Buyer: {Signature}, {Signature Date}
Seller: {Signature}, {Signature Date}
Witness 1: {Signature}, {Signature Date}
Witness 2: {Signature}, {Signature Date}
Key Takeaways
The obligation of completing a Livestock Bill of Sale is typically left to the seller in the transaction. The seller must record the date of sale, livestock description, involved party details, and purchase price. If the buyer opts for a health inspection, the seller must record the inspection period and any deposit paid. Finally, once the inspection is done, both parties can sign the bill of sale and have it witnessed by two adults or a public notary.
