When transferring sheep, we should all use best practices. This time of year, shepherds are busy! They are recording lamb data, tagging ears, and deciding which lambs stay, which to sell, and which are freezer-bound. It is easy to lose track of paperwork, forget to record a transfer, or lose an envelope somewhere in the truck. However, using Grassroots and a standard process can make things easier for both the seller and the buyer.
I recommend following these steps when transferring sheep:
- The seller and buyer agree on the price of the sheep and the date of pickup/drop off. Buyers may need to make a deposit if they want the seller to hold the sheep beyond a few days. These situations may call for a signed Livestock Purchase Contract.
- The seller should obtain a health certificate/certificate of veterinary inspection, or CVI for out-of-state Buyers or when requested. Each animal’s CVI must be obtained no more than 30 days before the date of pickup/drop off. Buyers pay for these services in addition to the cost of the sheep.
- At least 3 weeks before the date of pickup/drop off, the seller should birth notify lambs on Grassroots using accurate ear tag numbers. If previously registered sheep are changing hands, gather the certificates.
- At least 3 weeks before the date of pickup/drop off, the buyer should join SCHSB if not a member.
- Upon pickup/drop off the seller should always provide the buyer with:
- a detailed Livestock Bill of Sale
- a CVI for each animal, and
- the original certificates for previously registered sheep with the back side completed to indicate a transfer of ownership
- Upon pickup/drop off, the buyer should always provide the seller with:
- After pickup/drop off of the sheep, the seller should immediately register (if applicable) and transfer the sheep on Grassroots.* The seller must provide the buyer’s information so the registrar can mail the papers directly to the new owner. Buyers should be prepared to pay for these transactions ($8 per registration, $8 per transfer) in addition to the cost of the sheep, although many sellers include these costs in the quoted price.
- The buyer should notify the seller if registration certificates do not arrive by mail within 30 days after pickup/drop off of the sheep.
*Sometimes, the buyer is not an active SCHSB member and/or registration certificates were provided in lieu of electronic transfer. In these cases, the buyer must join SCHSB and mail the registration certificates, a work order, and payment to the registrar to transfer the sheep to the buyer’s name.
Need More Help Transferring Sheep?
Refer to page 5 of the SCHSB Official Forms & Regulations for more information about the rules for transferring sheep. If you ever have difficulty or questions, please reach out. Contact SCHSB by phone or text message at 458-240-3799 or by email. You can reach our registrar, Jaye Ray, by phone at 919-542-5704 ext. 111 or by email.
Photo is courtesy of Tamara Lambdin-Abney, Aldenwood Farm, Kentucky
