Is it a faded co-op receipt with a scribbled signature? Or a sit-down in a lawyer’s office? What constitutes a quality bill of sale for agricultural equipment?  

National Agricultural Law Center expert Rusty Rumley says a bill of sale isn’t as complicated as it sounds, but it is a good idea to have for any type of equipment transaction. 

“A bill of sale really isn't that official of a document,” Rumley said. “At a minimum, you want to have the names of both parties, a description of what you're buying, a sale price and the date.” 

Bill of sales can also include:  

• Serial numbers 

• Identifying marks 

• Address for buyer and seller 

• Driver’s license numbers 

Once a farmer finds a good bill of sale formula they’re comfortable with, it’s a wise idea to create a printable document and make copies for future transactions.  

“It's a good idea to bring two bills of sale with you,” Rumley said. “You want to protect yourself, but it's a good idea to have documentation for the other person as well.” 

Essentially, a bill of sale contains just enough information to aid law enforcement in the case of theft or damage later down the road.