Inquiries about cattle sales at auction should be directed to which entity?

The agriculture department is the correct entity to direct inquiries about cattle sales at auction because it oversees regulations and policies related to livestock and agricultural practices. This department is responsible for maintaining standards related to animal health, safety, and market practices, which includes oversight of auctions where cattle are sold. They can provide essential information about legal requirements, market conditions, and other pertinent details regarding the sale of livestock.

The other options, while they may handle related issues, do not have the specific focus or authority over agricultural sales. The local sheriff's office primarily deals with law enforcement and may not have the expertise necessary for inquiries about livestock sales. The auction house itself may provide information specific to their sales but may lack the broader regulatory context and agronomic knowledge that the agriculture department possesses. The state department of commerce is generally focused on business activities and economic development, which may not directly include the intricacies of agricultural sales.