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HomeFood and Agricultural CodeDiv. 10Ch. 6Art. 1§ 21059 Cattle Movement Inspection Exemptions

§ 21059 Cattle Movement Inspection Exemptions

Food and Agricultural Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 21059 Cattle Movement Inspection Exemptions

Key Takeaways

  • •Cows can move between pastures without a check-up if they stay in the same area or a nearby area.
  • •If the pasture is split by a boundary line, cows can still move around without a check-up.
  • •Dairy cows can move between pastures owned by the same person, but they need a paper showing who owns them.
  • •You might need a special pass to move cows a short distance (up to 40 miles), and it could cost up to $200 for a year.

Example

A farmer wants to move his cows from one pasture to another pasture he owns just 30 miles away.

The farmer can get a special pass to move his cows without a check-up because the distance is less than 40 miles. He might have to pay up to $200 for this pass, which lasts a year.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21059 Cattle Movement Inspection Exemptions

Inspection is not required for pasture-to-pasture movement in the following cases: (a) When the cattle are moved or transported only between points in the same modified point-of-origin inspection area. (b) When the cattle are moved or transported across a modified point-of-origin inspection area boundary which bisects the ranch or property of the owner and shipper of the cattle. (c) When cattle are moved or transported only between points within a full point-of-origin area. (d) When cattle are moved or transported across a modified point-of-origin inspection area boundary in accordance with regulations adopted by the director which specifically allow the cattle to move under a permit for a distance not to exceed 40 miles from loading point to destination. The director may establish a fee for the permit for a 12-month period. The permit fee shall not exceed two hundred dollars ($200). (e) When female cattle of the dairy breeds are moved or transported from one grazing or pasture area to another grazing or pasture area and the areas are owned or controlled by the same person. However, this movement shall be accompanied by a certificate of ownership or other proof of ownership document. The provisions of subdivision (i) of Section 21051 shall take precedence over this section. This section does not apply to cattle entering a registered feedlot. (Amended (as amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 592, Sec. 5.5) by Stats. 1986, Ch. 404, Sec. 1.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

pasture-to-pasture movementmodified point-of-origin inspection areafull point-of-origin areapermitcertificate of ownership

Related Statutes

  • § 21051 Cattle Inspection Requirements
  • § 21053 Cattle Transport Inspection Exemptions
  • § 21060.4 Cattle Ownership Transfer Exemptions
  • § 12001 Agricultural Pest Control Adviser Licensing
  • § 12002 Agricultural Pest Control Adviser Registration

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 21059.
View Official Source