Livestock Sale Permits

Any person or entity conducting a livestock sale that is not affiliated with a registered market must apply for an Association or Test Station Sale Permit.  The application must be received at least 60 days prior to the scheduled sale.  There is no fee for the permit.

Any person or entity affiliated with a registered market and conducting a livestock sale through a market utilizing that markets custodial account and license, but at a different location other than the market, must apply for an Off-Premise Sale Permit.  The application must be received at least 60 days prior to the scheduled sale.  There is no fee for the permit.

The person or entity conducting the sale will need to contact the District Livestock Investigator for the region/county which the sale will take place and arrange to have a brand inspector on site for the sale.  A list of District Investigators and Inspectors can be found on the Department of Livestock website:  Find a Brand Inspector (mt.gov)

Sale type definitions:

• Off-Premise Sale: A livestock sale conducted through a market utilizing their custodial account and license, but at a different location other than the market.
• Association Sale: A livestock sale with three (3) or more consignors.
• Test Station Sale: A livestock sale with three (3) or more consignors held at a place where livestock is taken to measure rates of gain under uniform feeding conditions when that place is not owned by the owner of the livestock.

Requirements at the time of application or to be provided to Dept of Livestock prior to the start of a sale:

• A List of all Consignors
• All Fees and Tariffs imposed on Consignors to the sale and a copy of the All Rules of the Sale including Breed Registration Requirements and Terms and Conditions.
• A Custodial Account held in a Montana domiciled bank
• If sale type is an Off-Premise Sale - A copy of the bond registered with USDA Packers & Stockyards Program
  • Contact Vanette Stewart at (303) 375-4241 or by email: Vanette.L.Stewart@ams.usda.gov
• Upon request, if using a Management Firm, a copy of the current financial statement for the Management Firm.

• Montana Livestock Sale Application
• ARM 32.15.702 PERMIT REQUIRED TO CONDUCT ASSOCIATION TEST STATION SALE-EXCEPTIONS
• ARM 32.15.703 CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH A PERMIT WILL BE ISSUED

Dept of Livestock Sale Permits:

For additional information about livestock sale permits, contact the Dept of Livestock, Brands Enforcement Division at 406-444-9762 or by email dallas.kim@mt.gov