Understand all the terms and conditions of sale thoroughly before you buy.

You may want to see the registration certificates including any calves at side of their dam. Be sure the registration certificate indicates they are registered with the British White Cattle Association of America. You may call the the BWCAA office at 800-826-4038 if you have questions.

Instruct your seller how to transfer the registration papers to you. You will want them in the name you plan to use as a member of the British White Cattle Association. For example, if your membership name is Smith British Whites don't have the papers transferred to "Bill Smith".

Check the ear tattoos of each animal you buy. They must match the tattoos on the registration certificate. Check them again when you receive the new registration certificates in your name.

Follow up and contact the seller if you fail to receive the transferred certificates within 30 days after purchase.

Learn the required animal health regulations for your area. Insist on any tests that may be required by state or federal.

Join the British White Cattle Association if you are not already a member.

Keep accurate records from the start. Your cattle and even your reputation as a seed stock producer can be no better than your records and the way that you keep them. Identify all calves at birth with an ear tag and/or tattoo. Calves must be tattooed before they are registered. Permanently record ear tag numbers, breeding dates, calving dates, tattoos and the parentage.

You should register your calves as soon after birth as possible. Registration blanks are available from the BWCAA office.

When you sell a registered animal, you should transfer the certificate to the buyer. The transfer application is on the back of your certificate. It should be completed, signed and mailed to the BWCAA office along with the proper transfer fees. It is generally accepted that the seller pays the transfer fees but you as buyer should always confirm.

---