Moving Livestock to Absarokee: Brand‑Inspection Basics

Hauling cattle or horses toward Absarokee and want zero surprises at the county line? You’re not alone. Moving livestock in Montana involves brand inspection and a few health documents that keep ownership clear and herds protected. In this guide, you’ll learn when inspections are required, which papers you need for each species, who to call locally, typical fees, and a simple timeline to follow. Let’s dive in.

Brand inspection in Montana: the basics

Brand inspection is a visual check of brands and other ID to verify lawful ownership and allow legal movement or change of ownership. Montana’s Department of Livestock (MDOL) enforces these rules to protect producers and deter theft. Review the state’s overview of brand inspection requirements to get familiar with the process.

Inspections are done in daylight and the certificate you receive is valid for a limited time and specific destination. Under state rule, movement is generally limited to a short window after issue, and diversion or off‑loading will usually require re‑inspection. See the rule text for timing and limits in ARM 32.18.201.

When you need an inspection

You must arrange a brand inspection:

• Before crossing a county line or leaving the state.
• Before any change of ownership (seller’s responsibility).
• Before sale at a livestock auction or before slaughter at a licensed facility.

These triggers apply to cattle and horses. Bison and sheep often use transport permits that are separate from brand inspection. MDOL summarizes species rules on its inspection requirements page.

Health paperwork for entering or moving through Montana

Most interstate moves require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian. Start with MDOL’s Animal Health import requirements and confirm if an import permit or additional tests are needed based on species and origin.

• Horses: A negative Equine Infectious Anemia test (Coggins) is commonly required for interstate moves and sales. Learn the basics of EIA on Montana State University’s extension page for equine infectious anemia.
• Cattle and domestic bison: Stillwater County is within Montana’s Brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area (DSA). Expect vaccination and traceability requirements for adult, sexually intact females, and additional testing for certain movements. Review MDOL’s brucellosis guidance if you’re moving animals into or out of the DSA.

Absarokee contacts and where to go

You have several local options to get inspections and permits set.

• District investigator (Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass): Levi Stovall — 406‑321‑0343.
• Nearby brand inspectors and permit writers: Use MDOL’s directory to find Absarokee contacts such as Diana Scollard (inspector) and Julie Lingren (permit writer). Check the latest listings on Find a Brand Inspector.
• Shipping points near Absarokee: Flanagan Scale, Miller Yards, and Nash Scale are listed locations where inspectors often work. Confirm availability through the same directory.
• MDOL headquarters for questions: Brands Enforcement — 406‑444‑2045 or [email protected]. Animal Health (import permits/CVI) — 406‑444‑2976. You can also use the MDOL contact page to verify current numbers.

Typical fees to plan for

Fees can change, so confirm with MDOL before you move. Current examples include:

• Cattle inspection: about $1.00 per head.
• Horse inspection: about $10.00 per head (annual) or $30.00 lifetime.
• Market, shipping, sheep, and bison permits: about $1.00 per permit.

MDOL lists fee details on its inspection requirements page. Grazing permits and adjoining‑county grazing fees follow a tiered schedule.

Timeline: from planning to wheels rolling

Use this simple schedule to stay on track.

7–14 days before your move

• If animals are coming from out of state, schedule a CVI with your veterinarian and any required tests. Start with MDOL’s import requirements.
• If you are moving cattle or domestic bison into or out of Stillwater County, confirm brucellosis vaccination, tagging, and any DSA testing rules using MDOL’s brucellosis page.

48–72 hours before your move

• Call a local brand inspector or permit writer to schedule your inspection. Ask whether they will meet you at a shipping point or at the ranch. Find contacts on Find a Brand Inspector.
• Gather proof of ownership: a recent inspection certificate or a bill of sale signed by the seller, clearly describing the livestock.

Day of the move

• Plan for a daylight inspection and keep your certificate, CVI, permits, and bills of sale in the vehicle.
• Do not off‑load or divert before reaching your destination. Certificates authorize movement only for a limited period and specific route under ARM 32.18.201.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Trying to move animals at night. Inspections occur in daylight hours.
• Forgetting CVIs for interstate animals or brucellosis documents for DSA movements.
• Off‑loading or commingling animals before re‑inspection if plans change.
• Waiting until the last minute in peak season. Inspectors cover large areas and market days are busy.

Quick documents checklist

Keep these items in hand when you roll:

• Brand inspection certificate and any bills of sale that describe the livestock.
• CVI for animals entering Montana and any MDOL import permit if required.
• Proof of brucellosis vaccination/testing for eligible cattle or domestic bison moving into or out of the DSA.
• EIA/Coggins test results for horses if moving interstate or to sale.
• Contact numbers for your inspector, the district investigator, and MDOL.

Moving to Absarokee with confidence

A smooth livestock move comes down to timing, daylight inspection, and the right documents. When you plan ahead and coordinate with local inspectors and MDOL, crossing into Stillwater County is straightforward. If you’re also weighing ranch, pasture, or acreage options around Absarokee, our team brings practical, operator‑level insight to help you choose land that fits your herd and your goals.

Questions about land, grazing capacity, or local logistics around Absarokee? Reach out to Melinda Jeffrey for grounded guidance on properties and working‑land decisions.

FAQs

Do I need a brand inspection to cross into Absarokee from another county?

• Yes. Montana requires brand inspection before crossing a county line. Schedule during daylight and carry the certificate while transporting.

What paperwork do I need when buying cattle out of state for Absarokee?

• You will typically need a CVI from an accredited veterinarian, any MDOL‑required tests based on species and origin, and a brand inspection for county moves or ownership changes.

How long is a Montana brand inspection certificate valid for travel?

• Under ARM 32.18.201, certificates authorize movement for a limited period and to a specific destination. If plans change or time runs out, arrange re‑inspection.

What proves ownership at inspection in Stillwater County?

• A recent brand inspection certificate or a bill of sale signed by the seller that clearly describes the livestock. Keep originals with you during transport.

Are there special rules in Stillwater County because of brucellosis?

• Yes. Stillwater County is in Montana’s Brucellosis DSA. Expect vaccination, testing, and traceability requirements for certain cattle and domestic bison movements.

Who do I call if my animals are held at unloading for paperwork?

• Contact the local district investigator or MDOL Brands Enforcement immediately, and coordinate with Animal Health if import permits or CVIs are missing.