USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case with Buffalo Livestock Market LLC

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a stipulation agreement with Buffalo Livestock Market LLC of Buffalo, Mo., on March 8, 2024, for alleged violation of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. Under the terms of the stipulation agreement, Buffalo Livestock Market LLC waived its rights to a hearing and paid a civil penalty of $1,000.<_o3a_p>

An investigation by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service revealed Buffalo Livestock Market LLC tested its livestock scale on Oct. 31, 2022, and continually weighed livestock on it without a test until Jan. 24, 2024.<_o3a_p>

The P&S Act requires subject entities to test monorail scales used in commerce at least once between January 1 and June 30 and at least once again between July 1 and December 31, with a minimum period of 120 days between tests.<_o3a_p>

The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties up to $33,896 per violation against any person after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record. USDA may offer alleged violators the option of waiving their right to a hearing and enter into a stipulation agreement to resolve alleged violations quickly.<_o3a_p>

The P&S Act is a fair-trade practice and payment protection law that promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat and poultry industries.<_o3a_p>

For further information about the Packers and Stockyards Act, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or by email at [email protected].

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