All organizations that hold livestock consignment sales in Wisconsin must have them licensed, according to assistant state veterinarian Dr. Paul McGraw.
McGraw sent letters to some producers who have organized sales events in the past, reminding them of the licensing requirement, according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
The state requires all consignment sales, auctions and anyone purchasing and reselling an animal - even for fair projects - to be licensed under state law.
"It's becoming more common for several families or neighboring farms to get together and organize a livestock consignment sale or auction on one of their farms or at their county fairgrounds," McGraw said. "It makes sense because they can draw a larger group of buyers, but they are probably not even aware that a sale like that requires an animal market license."
If one farm sells animals that they raised, a license isn't necessary. But when animals from two or more owners are sold, an animal market license is needed, McGraw said.
People who buy livestock and sell them without having used them for breeding or as a feeder are considered dealers and need to be licensed. That includes people who buy animals and resell them to youngsters as fair projects.
McGraw said the department has been lenient in the past, but growing concern with possible outbreaks of animal diseases makes it important to track animals that are commingled and transported.
"We're starting with an education effort and will work with people to get them licensed," McGraw said. "But eventually we will move to enforcement."
Animal market licenses cost $220 a year if the licensee holds sales on four days or fewer during the year. Animal dealer licenses are $220 a year.
Applications for animal market and dealer licenses are available by calling 608-224-4889 during business hours. Information about health requirements for importing out-of-state animals are at www.datcp.state.wi.us under "animal welfare and disease."
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