Purchasing organic livestock

Am I able to purchase livestock at an uncertified auction yard?

No. Organic animals are required to be sold at certified organic auction yards. The USDA National Organic Program considers livestock to be unpackaged products, and therefore all handling and sales of live animals require organic certification. Contact us for more information if you want to purchase organic animals from an on-farm or video auction.

How do I verify the auction yard is certified?

If you plan to purchase organic livestock through an auction, you’ll need to obtain a copy of the auction yard’s organic certificate prior to making your bid(s).

What happens if I buy/sell livestock at an uncertified auction yard?

Organic animals delivered to uncertified auction yards immediately lose their organic status. They may not be sold as organic, although they may still be sold as non-organic. These animals are not eligible for conversion back into organic production.