How to Sell Cattle

Traditionally, farmers and ranchers sell cattle at livestock auctions. Because travel produces stress in an animal, livestock sales occur as close to home as possible. Details may vary by state, but the essential steps in selling cattle remain the same as they were 150 years ago.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare animals for sale by grooming, organizing papers and getting any vaccinations or wormings needed.

2. Weigh each animal on a certified scale for an accurate reading.

3. Contact a broker to handle the sale. The Livestock Roundup website lists livestock auctions in the upper Midwest and part of Canada. The Livestock Marketing Association lists upcoming member live Internet auctions by day, state and livestock class. Farmer & Ranchers Livestock Commission accepts consignments for its facility in Salina, Kansas.

4. Sell animals yourself by listing with the Cattle Round Up website. Potential buyers can search by location (US states, Canada and Mexico), breed or date of posting. Postings remain on the site for 30 days and the site will supply names of Cargo Insured Trucks for transport. Buyers who want some particular stock can list their needs.

5. Deliver livestock on time and according to contract terms. As with any legal arrangement, you are legally bound to fulfill your end of the contract, in exchange for legal protection from abuse by buyer or broker.

Tips & Warnings

• Most sites include weather and market conditions.

Resources

• Livestock Roundup serves the upper Midwest.
• The Livestock Marketing Association lists member auctions.
• Farmer & Ranchers Livestock Commission.
• Cattle USA lets buyers participate in live online auctions.
• Cattle Round Up accepts postings from buyers and sellers.
• The USDA lists all Cooperative Extension System offices.