Missouri Livestock Markets/Sales

The Division of Animal Health regulates livestock market/sales in the state under the authority of the Missouri Livestock Marketing Law (277, RSMo 2000) and through the regulations (2 CSR 30-6). Missouri has a livestock inventory of millions of cattle, swine, sheep, and horses. To help livestock producers obtain the maximum return on their investment, Missouri is fortunate to have a number of livestock market/sales throughout the state.

To operate a livestock market/sale in the state, the operator must have a license issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health. This license shall entitle the operator to conduct business for one (1) calendar year, January through December.

Apply for A Market License

To apply for a livestock market/sale license, you must:
  • Complete an application for a livestock market/sale and return with $75 license fee to the Division of Animal Health. The application can be found online at Market/Sale License Application.
  • Secure a Missouri licensed and accredited veterinarian to conduct veterinary inspection of all livestock offered for sale. The accredited veterinarian must complete and sign an Agreement for Performance of Livestock Market/Sale Veterinary Responsibilities form and be approved by the State Veterinarian.
  • Provide proof of satisfactory surety in the amount specified by the USDA Packers and Stockyards Administration. USDA Packers and Stockyards Administration may be contacted by phone at (515) 323-2579.
    • If a sale/market does not fall under the jurisdiction of USDA Packers and Stockyards Administration, the sale must still provide proof of a satisfactory surety to the Department.

Renew A Market License

To apply for a livestock market/sale license, you must:
  • Complete an application for a livestock market/sale and return with $75 license fee to the Division of Animal Health before December 1.
  • Maintain proof of satisfactory surety.
  • Ensure that the previous year’s Livestock Market Volume Report has been submitted to the Department. A license will not be issued until the Volume report is received by the Department.

Livestock Market Surety

Under the Missouri Livestock Marketing Law (277, RSMo 2000) and regulations (2 CSR 30-6), all livestock markets must be licensed and provide a satisfactory surety (with a minimum surety amount of $10,000), as determined by business volume.

Most licensed livestock markets have enough business to warrant a bond under the USDA Packers & Stockyards Administration. Potential market licensees should contact USDA Packers & Stockyards at (515) 323-2579 to determine if their bond will need to be administered through USDA Packers & Stockyards. The division will accept any instrument of surety approved by Packers & Stockyards. If a sale/market does not fall under the jurisdiction of USDA Packers and Stockyards Administration, the sale must still provide proof of a satisfactory surety to the Department.

Livestock Market Volume Report

All market licensees are required to report the volume sold for the previous year by April 15. The report form can be completed online at Livestock Market Volume Report.

Livestock Dealer Registration

Livestock Dealer Registration is required for those who buy, sell, or exchange livestock outside of normal farm or feeding operation. Under Missouri's Stockyards, Grain and Produce Exchanges - Livestock Dealer law and regulations (2CSR 30-7.010), registered livestock dealers must keep records regarding their sales and purchases. There is no cost to register as a livestock dealer, but registration must be renewed annually.

Under RSMo 276.621, livestock dealers are required to maintain surety and registration with the USDA Packers and Stockyards Administration.

The application for a livestock dealer's license can be found online at Livestock Dealer Application.