Shipping Point Inspection & Services

Shipping Point Inspection Service offers voluntary inspection of fresh fruits and vegetables, peanuts, tree nuts, and grain, and aflatoxin analysis. The service certifies conformity or nonconformity to United States and other grades or contract specifications.

The service is provided by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. The service is available upon request to aid growers, shippers, brokers, receivers, processors, insurance adjusters or other financially interested parties in the packing and marketing of their products. Fees from the applicant make the service self-supporting.

Audits & Reports / Stockyards & Brands Unit

Audits & Reports Section
The Audits & Reports Section is responsible for registering and licensing/permitting the following: companies that manufacture or distribute commercial feed, commercial fertilizer, and agricultural liming materials; wheat & grain dealers; soybean dealers; and Cooperative Marketing Associations.

This section also collects fees for the following commodity check-off programs: soybeans, cotton, wheat & grain, pecans, catfish feed, and shrimp.

For feed, wheat & grain, soybean, and check-off program questions call 334-240-7122.

For fertilizer, lime, or cooperative market questions call 334-240-7123.

Forms can be downloaded by clicking here:  "Ag Commodities Forms" 
...or by clicking “FORMS” on the menu at the top of the page and selecting the "Ag Commodities" link.

Stockyards & Brands Section
The Stockyards & Brands Section is responsible for the Livestock Market Charter Application process; the registration and licensing/permitting of bonded livestock markets, livestock dealers, livestock weighers and livestock brands. This section also collects fees for the cattle and sheep/goat commodity check-off programs. If you have questions regarding any of these areas call 334-240-7263.

Gins & Warehouses

The Gins & Warehouses Section consists of a Unit Manager and five regional Warehouse Examiners. This section issues permits, regulates and audits public warehouses, cotton gins, cotton merchants and grain dealers. Currently, there are about 186 public warehouses, 43 cotton gins, 18 cotton merchants, and 15 grain dealers permitted in the state. Applications and bond forms can be downloaded from this site. Please call 1-800-642-7761 ext. 7223 for more information.