Livestock Care and Service Agreement

What a good one includes

• A detailed roster of the livestock involved, including ear tag numbers, brands, registration details, and breed descriptions to prevent any identification disputes.
• Specific daily care standards outlining nutritional programs, pasture access, water availability, and shelter requirements suited to the specific livestock species.
• A clear veterinary care protocol that designates preferred veterinarians and establishes a pre-authorized spending limit for emergency medical treatments.
• Detailed payment terms that specify the daily or monthly rate, feed cost adjustments, billing schedules, and late payment penalties.
• Explicit allocation of risk and liability for animal injury, illness, or death, clarifying under what circumstances the caretaker is responsible.
• A straightforward termination clause detailing the notice period required for either party to end the agreement and retrieve or transport the livestock.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on vague terms like 'adequate feed' rather than specifying precise nutritional values, forage types, or supplemental feed requirements.
• Failing to outline a clear protocol and financial limit for emergency veterinary intervention when the livestock owner cannot be reached.
• Neglecting to define who is responsible for the costs of routine husbandry tasks like hoof trimming, vaccinations, and deworming.
• Omitting a clear dispute resolution process, which can lead to costly litigation over minor misunderstandings during seasonal transitions.

Frequently asked questions