What to Ask Before Buying Cattle From a Private Seller
The short answer: Before buying cattle from a private seller, ask about vaccination and health records, age and breeding history, why they are being sold, and proof of ownership. See the animals in person if you can, and confirm any paperwork required to move them before you pay.
Health and vaccination history
- What have they been vaccinated and dewormed for, and when? Can you see the records?
- Have any animals in the herd been sick, treated, or lost recently?
- Have they been tested for anything a vet in your area would want to know about, such as BVD-PI, Johne’s, or trich for bulls?
- Who is their veterinarian, and is it okay to call them?
Age, breeding, and production
- How old are they, and how was that confirmed? Check teeth or records.
- For bred cows and heifers: who was the bull, when are they due, and were they preg-checked by a vet?
- For bulls: has a breeding soundness exam been done recently?
- Are registration papers available, and do they transfer with the sale?
- How have they calved and bred in the past?
Why they’re for sale and how they handle
- Why is the seller selling? Downsizing and drought are common reasons, but ask.
- How do they handle in a chute and around people?
- Have they been raised on grass, grain, or both? A sudden feed change can set cattle back.
Ownership and getting them home
- Does the seller own them outright, with no lien? Ask for a bill of sale.
- If your state uses brand inspection, is it needed for this sale?
- Are they crossing state lines? A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or other paperwork may be required. Confirm with your vet or state animal health office.
- Who is hauling them, and who is responsible once they are loaded?
Common questions
What paperwork do I need when buying cattle?
At minimum, get a bill of sale showing the seller, buyer, animals, date, and price, plus any health and registration records. Moving cattle across state lines may also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Requirements vary by state, so confirm with a veterinarian or your state animal health office.
Should I see cattle in person before buying?
Yes, whenever you can. Seeing cattle in person lets you judge condition, feet, temperament, and how they handle. If you can’t go yourself, ask for recent video and consider having a local vet or trusted cattleman look at them.
GetFarmLinked is a marketplace platform that helps buyers and sellers connect. We do not inspect, own, guarantee, transport, or take custody of livestock or equipment. During beta, buyers and sellers may arrange payment and transportation directly. Online payments and transportation support are planned future features. Buyers and sellers are responsible for confirming animal health, ownership, movement requirements, transportation, payment terms, and all applicable rules before completing a sale. Nothing here is legal, veterinary, tax, or financial advice. All transactions are at your own risk — see our Terms of Service.