Frequently asked questions.

Register To Bid

All buyers must obtain a permanent NLVA Buyer’s Number.

To register, call Billings Livestock at 1-866-616-5035 and provide the required banking and credit information for verification OR register online. Once approved, your number is permanent and can be used at all future NLVA sales.

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Buyer FAQ

  • Northern Livestock Video Auction operates just like a traditional auction, except the livestock remain on the ranch. Most sales are conducted at Billings Livestock Commission in Billings, Montana, where buyers can watch each lot on video monitors and bid in real time. Buyers may participate in person, by phone, or online.

  • All buyers must obtain a permanent NLVA Buyer’s Number.

    To register, call Billings Livestock at 1-866-616-5035 and provide the required banking and credit information for verification. Once approved, your number is permanent and can be used at all future NLVA sales.

  • You can watch the sale:

    • In person at Billings Livestock

    • Online through CattleUSA

    • Through livestream (sale-by-sale availability)

  • Once registered with your Buyer’s Number, you can bid three ways:

    • In person at Billings Livestock

    • By phone through NLVA’s manned sale-day phone line

    • Online through CattleUSA.com

    For step-by-step online bidding instructions, visit:

    CattleusaCattleUSA | Live Cattle Auctions

  • A $100 per head down payment is required at the conclusion of the sale.

    Acceptable payment methods include:

    • Cashable check

    • Wire transfer

    Full payment must be received no later than the next business day following delivery unless otherwise arranged. Payments must be made to the Northern Livestock Video Auction Custodial Account for Shipper’s Proceeds.

Consigner FAQ

  • orthern Livestock Video Auction is one of America’s longest-standing livestock video auction companies. Headquartered at Billings Livestock, NLVA pioneered video cattle marketing in the 1970s and remains a trusted marketing partner for ranchers nationwide.

  • Selling with NLVA gives your cattle access to national competition, aggressive promotion, reputable auctioneers, and a buying base that values Northern quality. Your cattle receive more exposure than most individual producers could achieve on their own.

  • You will work directly with a knowledgeable NLVA representative who understands breeding, feeding, carcass quality, and marketing. Your rep will personally assist you from the moment you consign until the day your cattle are delivered.

  • Call 1-866-616-5035 or contact your area representative.

    Your rep will:

    • Visit your ranch

    • Evaluate your cattle

    • Film your consignment

    • Help complete the consignment contract

    • Prepare your cattle to be presented to buyers clearly and professionally

  • • Feeder cattle: 2.25% of gross sale

    • Breeding cattle: 3% of gross sale

    Consignors receive $85 per head from the buyer’s down payment. The remaining $15 per head is held in NLVA’s custodial account until final commission is determined.

  • You may decline the final bid if you choose not to sell at that price. Filming fees ($4/head for feeders, $5/head for breeding stock) are not refundable. However, the same film may be used in a future sale at no additional filming cost.

  • Every buyer must provide verified bank references before being issued a Buyer’s Number. This ensures your cattle sell to qualified, reputable buyers.

  • Sales take place at Billings Livestock, where buyers can watch lots on video monitors. Buyers can also participate by phone or online through CattleUSA. Each auction is fast-paced, competitive, and supported by a nationwide buying base.

  • Some NLVA sales are broadcast live on satellite platforms. View list-by-sale details on the Auctions page to confirm availability.