BEFORE THE BOARD OF LIVESTOCK MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK

In the Matter of the Application for Change of Ownership for Montana Livestock Auction PROPOSED DECISION AND RECOMMENDED ORDER

The Department of Livestock (“Department”) has appointed the undersigned to serve as the Hearing Examiner in the matter of the application for change of ownership for Montana Livestock Auction in Ramsay, Montana. § 81-8-253, MCA. The application proposes to change the ownership of High Country Livestock, Inc., which operates the Montana Livestock Auction, from Sandra Nuffer (“Seller”) to Barry and Dannielle McCoy (“Buyers”).

A public hearing was noticed and held on August 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Montana Livestock Auction, 100 Cattle Drive, Ramsay, Montana. The Seller, represented by Lori Harshbarger, legal counsel; the Buyers; and members of the public attended the hearing.

EVIDENCE

Sworn testimony at the hearing was provided by the following:

1. Sandra Nuffer, the Seller;
2. Barry McCoy, a Buyer;
3. Dannielle McCoy, a Buyer; and
4. Jay Bodner, the Brands Division Administrator, Montana Department of Livestock;

The following documents, which comprise the application materials and any supplements to those materials, were admitted by the Hearing Examiner: