Livestock

PURPOSE: Sections 144.030.2(1), 144.030.2(7), 144.030.2(22), 144.030.2(29) and 144.030.2(32), RSMo, exempt from taxation certain livestock, feed and feed additives, medicines and vaccines, and pesticides and herbicides. This rule explains the requirements that must be met to qualify for these exemptions. (1) In general, the sale of livestock, animals or poultry used for breeding or feeding purposes, feed for livestock or poultry, feed additives, medications or vaccines administered to livestock or poultry in the production of food or fiber, and sales of pesticides and herbicides used in the production of aquaculture, livestock or poultry are exempt from tax. (2) Definition of Term. (A) Aquaculture—The controlled propagation, growth and harvest of aquatic organisms as defined in section 277.024, RSMo. (B) Commercial breeder—A person, other than a hobby or show breeder, engaged in the business of breeding animals for sale or exchange in return for consideration and who harbors more than three (3) intact females for the primary purpose of breeding animals for sale. (C) Feed—Food essential for growth, fattening or nourishment of livestock or poultry. (D) Feed additives—Tangible personal property, including medicine or medical additives added to feed. (E) Livestock—Cattle, calves, sheep, swine, ratite birds, including but not limited to ostrich and emu, aquatic products as defined in section 277.024, RSMo, llamas, alpaca, buffalo, bison, elk documented as obtained from a legal source and not from the wild, goats, horses, other equine, honey bees, or rabbits raised in confinement for human consumption. (F) Poultry—Any domesticated bird, such as adult or baby chickens, turkeys, ducks, guinea fowl or geese. (3) Basic Application of Exemptions. (A) Pursuant to section 144.030.2(1), RSMo, sales of feed for livestock or poultry are not subject to tax. (B) Pursuant to section 144.030.2(22), RSMo, sales of feed additives, medications or vaccines administered to livestock or poultry in the production of food or fiber, and sales of pesticides used in the production of livestock or poultry for food or fiber are not subject to tax. Examples include hormones, digestive aids, antibiotics, hog wormers, tonics, medical preparations. (C) Pursuant to section 144.030.2(7), RSMo, sales of animals used for breeding or feeding purposes are exempt. Unlike the exemptions for feed and feed additives, which are limited to livestock or poultry, this exemption applies to all animals. (D) Pursuant to section 144.030.2(22), RSMo, sales of bedding used in the production of livestock or poultry for food or fiber are exempt. Examples of bedding may include, but are not limited to, wood shavings, straw and shredded paper. (E) Pursuant to section 144.030.2(29), RSMo, livestock sales are exempt when the seller is engaged either in the growing, producing or feeding of such livestock, or in the business of buying and selling, bartering or leasing of such livestock. (F) Pursuant to section 144.030.2(32), RSMo, sales of pesticides or herbicides used in the production of aquaculture, livestock or poultry are exempt. (G) Pursuant to section 144.030.2(35), RSMo, sales of feed which are developed for and used in the feeding of pets owned by a commercial breeder when such sales are made to a commercial breeder, licensed pursuant to sections 273.325 to 273.357, RSMo are exempt. (H) Sales of poultry to persons to produce eggs for the sole purpose of the person’s consumption are subject to tax. (I) Sellers of poultry are not subject to tax when— 1. The poultry is sold for breeding purposes; or 2. The poultry is sold to persons who raise the poultry for subsequent sale in dressed or processed form; or 3. The poultry is used to produce eggs to be ultimately sold in processed form or otherwise at retail; or 4. The poultry are purchased for resale. (J) Sales of animals for the purchaser’s personal enjoyment or use only are subject to tax. Sales of animals for breeding or feeding purposes as part of a business enterprise are not subject to tax. (4) Examples. (A) An individual purchases feed, nonprescription vaccines, and bedding for show horses. The purchase of the feed is not subject to tax, however the purchase of the vaccines and the bedding is subject to tax. (B) A farmer purchases feed, vaccines and bedding for use in his swine operation. The purchases of the feed, vaccines and bedding are exempt. (C) A rancher breeds and sells horses. The sales of the horses are not subject to tax. (D) A rabbit farmer raises rabbits, which are sold for processing as food for human consumption. Feed for the rabbits is not subject to tax because rabbits raised in confinement for human consumption are livestock. (E) A person sells feed to a pet shop which raises and sells rabbits to the general public as pets. The sale of the feed is subject to tax. (F) A fish farmer purchases fish for use in his aquacultural operation. The purchase of the fish is exempt from tax. (G) An individual decides to construct and stock a lake on his farm for recreational fishing by his family, neighbors and friends. The purchase of the fish is subject to tax. (H) A breeder of parakeets purchases feed for breeding stock. The bird feed is subject to tax, because a parakeet breeder does not fit the definition of a commercial breeder. AUTHORITY: section 144.270, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed Jan. 3, 2000, effective July 30, 2000. Amended: Filed July 16, 2025, effective Jan. 30, 2026. *Original authority: 144.270, RSMo 1939, amended 1941, 1943, 1945, 1947, 1955, 1961, 2008.