United States Department of Agriculture

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration

News Release Archive 2011

Contents

FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE

GIPSA Official Designation Activities�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5

GIPSA Official Designation Activities�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6

GIPSA’s Grain Inspection Advisory Committee to Meet ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7

Secretary Vilsack Names Grain Inspection Advisory Committee Members and Alternates ��������������������� 8

PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS PROGRAM

JBS USA, LLC, fka Swift & Company and Swift Pork Company Is Assessed $175000 Civil Penalty ����� 9

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $92,500 in Civil Penalties ������������������������������������������������������������� 10

GIPSA Alleges Superior Livestock Auction, Inc. Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act �����������������11

Joe U. Ambrose, Jr. is Suspended as a Registrant for Five Years ���������������������������������������������������� 12

Gulf Packing Company, LP and Charles L. Booth Are Assessed a $10000 Civil Penalty ��������������������� 13

USDA Publishes Changes to their Regulations Regarding Testing of Scales ���������������������������������� 14

Jeremy T. Gorham, dba Euclid Stockyards is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $17,000 ������� 15

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $1,500 Civil Penalty ������������������������������������������������������������� 16

Allen County Livestock Auction, LLC, Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $11,000 ���������������� 17

GIPSA Alleges Victor Peak, dba Peak Livestock Co., LLC Violated the PSA ���������������������������������� 18

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $2,875 in Civil Penalties ������������������������������������������������������������� 19

GIPSA Alleges Steve (Bubba) Kemp, dbaKemp Cattle Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������� 20

GIPSA Alleges Mike McEnroe Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������������������������������������������� 21

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $4,500 in Civil Penalties ������������������������������������������������������������� 22

GIPSA Alleges Vernon Black Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������������������������������������������� 23

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $750 Civil Penalty ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 24

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $10,600 in Civil Penalties ������������������������������������������������������������� 25

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $5,575 Civil Penalty ������������������������������������������������������������� 26

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $16,500 Civil Penalty ������������������������������������������������������������� 27

GIPSA Alleges The New Gainesville Livestock Auction, LLC violated the PSA ���������������������������������� 28
GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $6,500 Civil Penalty ������������������������������������������������������������� 29

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $3,000 Civil Penalty ������������������������������������������������������������� 30

Apna Bazaar International, Inc., is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $10,000 ���������������� 31

Gailal Sbeta and Mohammad Mesallem, Have Been Assessed a $4000 Civil Penalty ������������������������ 32

GIPSA Settles Two Cases Resulting in $2,000 in Civil Penalties ���������������������������������������������������� 33

GIPSA Settles Two Cases Resulting in $4,575 in Civil Penalties ���������������������������������������������������� 34

WW Boer Goats, Inc., aka Boer Meat Goats, LLC and Frank Willis Violated the PSA ������������������������� 35

GIPSA Settles Two Cases Resulting in $5,200 in Civil Penalties ���������������������������������������������������� 36

GIPSA Alleges Park Poultry, Inc. Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ���������������������������������� 37

GIPSA Alleges Clay Billingsley Operated as a Market Agency W/O Being Registered and Bonded ����� 38

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $2,500 Civil Penalty ������������������������������������������������������������� 39

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $7,400 Civil Penalty ������������������������������������������������������������� 40

GIPSA Alleges Berry & Sons Rababeh Islamic Slaughter House, Inc. Violated the PSA����������������������� 41

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $3,100 in Civil Penalties ������������������������������������������������������������� 42

GIPSA Alleges Richard L. Reece Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ���������������������������������� 43

GIPSA Settled Two Cases Resulting in $21,000 in Civil Penalties ���������������������������������������������������� 44

GIPSA Alleges Clay Billingsley Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������������������������������������������� 45

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $3,000 Civil Penalty ������������������������������������������������������������� 46

GIPSA Alleges Clair Hull, dba Pioneer Specialty Foods, LLC Violated the PSA������������������������������������ 47

Curtis Walton, dba Walton Livestock is assessed A Civil Penalty in the Amount of $4,000 ���������������� 48

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $1,500 Civil Penalty ������������������������������������������������������������� 49

GIPSA Alleges Jeff Hayes, dba Rockin 2H Farms Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act���������������� 50

GIPSA Settles Three Cases Resulting in $9,275 in Civil Penalties ���������������������������������������������������� 51

John Morrell & Co. Are Assessed A Civil Penalty in the Amount of $162,500 ���������������������������������� 52

Vermilion Ranch Co., dba Northern Livestock Video Auction is Assessed a $9000 Civil Penalty ��������� 53

GIPSA Settles Five Cases Resulting in $16,150 in Civil Penalties ���������������������������������������������������� 54

GIPSA Alleges Stagno’s Meat Company, Inc. Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ���������������� 56

GIPSA Alleges Randy Myers Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������������������������������������������� 57

Daniel Murray is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $2,500 ���������������������������������������������������� 58

Charles Jeffers is Suspended as a Registrant ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 59

GIPSA Settles Eight Cases Resulting in $28,575 in Civil Penalties ���������������������������������������������������� 60

George Gonzalez is assessed A Civil Penalty in the Amount of $1,230 ������������������������������������������� 62

GIPSA Settles Two Cases Resulting in $6,190 in Civil Penalties ���������������������������������������������������� 63

GIPSA Alleges Comanche Livestock Exchange, LLC Had Shortages in their Custodial Account �������� 64
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 3

GIPSA Alleges American Beef Company, LLC, Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ���������������� 65

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $2,400 Civil Penalty ������������������������������������������������������������� 66

GIPSA Alleges Montana Livestock Auction, Inc., and Kenneth Moe Misused its Custodial Account ����� 67

Clay Billingsley is assessed A Civil Penalty in the Amount of $9,800 ���������������������������������������������������� 69

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $5,000 Civil Penalty ������������������������������������������������������������� 70

GIPSA Alleges Upchurch Livestock, Inc., Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������������������������� 71

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $11,125 in Civil Penalties ������������������������������������������������������������� 72

Montana Livestock Auction, Inc. and Kenneth Moe are Prohibited from ������������������������������������������� 73

Operating and assessed A Civil Penalty in the Amount of $13,500 ���������������������������������������������������� 73

GIPSA Alleges C. David Emmons Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ���������������������������������� 74

Lake Odessa Livestock Auction, Inc., Ravenna Auction, LLC, are assessed A $35000 Civil Penalty ��� 75

Royal Halal Meats, Inc. Is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $10,000 ���������������������������������� 77

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $22,450 in Civil Penalties ������������������������������������������������������������� 78

GIPSA Alleges Welch Stockyards, LLC, and Darrel R. Clark Violated the PSA������������������������������������� 79

GIPSA Alleges Philip Ambrose Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������������������������������������������� 80

GIPSA Alleges Jallaq Livestock, Inc. and Majdi Jallaq Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������� 81

GIPSA Alleges Josephine E. Bonaccurso, Inc., dba Salem Packing Co., Violated the PSA������������������ 82

Duane Schmidt is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $2,500 ���������������������������������������������������� 83

Lonnie & Karen Martin Are Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $15,000 ���������������������������������� 84

GIPSA Alleges Haskell Livestock Auction Company, Inc., Failed to Maintain Its Custodial Account ����� 85

GIPSA Alleges Okragly Cattle Company, Inc., Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ���������������� 87

GIPSA Alleges Jantzi & Jantzi, Ltd. Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ���������������������������������� 88

GIPSA Alleges K-M Cattle and Robert Morales Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ���������������� 89

GIPSA Alleges Ashville Stockyard, Inc., and Bradley and Tilda Plunkett Violated the PSA ������������������� 91

GIPSA Alleges David Ballou Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������������������������������������������� 93

Gregory A. Mellott Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $5,000 ���������������������������������� 94

B&B Livestock Company, Inc. is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $10,000 ������������������������� 95

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $8,500 in Civil Penalties ������������������������������������������������������������� 96

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $5,800 in Civil Penalties ������������������������������������������������������������� 97

GIPSA Alleges Stephen Conley and Larry Conley, Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������� 98

GIPSA Alleges Kao Vang and Chue Thao, dba California Fresh Meats Violated the PSA������������������� 100

GIPSA Alleges Williams Cattle Co., Inc. Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ����������������������� 101

GIPSA Alleges Ronnie Lewis, dba Lazy L Order Buyers Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act���� 102

GIPSA Alleges Ocala Livestock Market, Inc., Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act �������������� 103
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 4

GIPSA Alleges Richard Hayes Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ����������������������������������������� 104

GIPSA Alleges Robert Smith, dba 4S Cattle Company Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ����� 105

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $12,075 in Civil Penalties ����������������������������������������������������������� 106

GIPSA Alleges T&J Meat Packing, Inc. Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ����������������������� 108

GIPSA Alleges Ryan Sanders Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ����������������������������������������� 109

GIPSA Alleges Fred J. Berger, Ltd., dba Berger Cattle Company Violated the PSA�����������������������������110

C. David Emmons Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $5,000 ���������������������������������111

GIPSA Alleges Michael V. Bott and Tony Bott Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ���������������112

GIPSA Alleges Gowan Stockyards Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ���������������������������������114

GIPSA Alleges Gary Thompson Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������������������������������������������116

GIPSA Alleges Devon Perkins Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ������������������������������������������117

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $8,500 in Civil Penalties ������������������������������������������������������������118

American Beef Packers, Inc. Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $25,000���������������119

Comanche livestock Exchange, LLC Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $13,000 �������������� 120

Dennis Chiappetti Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $10,000 ����������������������� 121

GIPSA Alleges Michael T. Godberson Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act �������������������������������� 122

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $8,500 in Civil Penalties ����������������������������������������������������������� 123

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $17,160 in Civil Penalties ����������������������������������������������������������� 125

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $20,490 in Civil Penalties ����������������������������������������������������������� 127

Randy Myers Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $6,500 �������������������������������� 129

GIPSA Alleges Bro Pack, Inc. and Andrew Broberg Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act ����� 130

GIPSA Alleges Sugarcreek Livestock Auction, Inc. and Leroy H. Baker, Jr. Violated the PSA������������� 131

GIPSA Alleges Mohammad S. Malik and Kiran Enterprises, Inc., Violated the PSA���������������������������� 133

David Ballou Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $6,500 ����������������������������������������� 134

GIPSA Alleges Hardee County Livestock Market Corp. and Janice P. Wheeler Violated the PSA ������ 135

GIPSA Alleges NA Bison Cooperative and ND Natural Beef, LLCB Violated the PSA������������������������� 137

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $2,000 Civil Penalty ����������������������������������������������������������� 138

Steve (Bubba) Kemp, dba Kemp Cattle Has Been Assessed a $90,000 Civil Penalty ����������������������� 139

GIPSA Alleges Whispering Oaks Farms, LLC, and Mike D. Esther Violated the PSA ������������������������� 140

GIPSA Alleges Murray L. Edwards Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act �������������������������������� 141

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $5,000 Civil Penalty ����������������������������������������������������������� 142

Devon Perkins Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $7,500 �������������������������������� 143

Mike Whitfield, N.B. Hutchinson, Jr. and Pete Pingrey, Suspended for Violating The PSA������������������ 144
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 5

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Terry Henry, 202-205-8281

Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov 

Release No.: 02-11

GIPSA Official Designation Activities

Washington, DC (January 4, 2011)- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) announces the following actions on 

designations to officially inspect and weigh grain in the specified areas of the State of 

Georgia; the State of Montana; Columbus, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; Decatur, Indiana; Minot, 

North Dakota; and Lewiston, Idaho.

GIPSA is asking for applications to provide official services in the areas of the State of 

Georgia and the State of Montana. Additionally, GIPSA is requesting comments on the official 

agencies presently serving these areas. Please submit applications and/or comments to 

GIPSA by February 3, 2011.

GIPSA has designated Columbus Grain Inspection, Inc. (Columbus); Gulf Country Grain 

Inspection Service, Inc. (Gulf Country); and Northeast Indiana Grain Inspection, Inc. 

(Northeast Indiana) effective January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011 (Gulf Country) 

and December 31, 2013 (Columbus and Northeast Indiana). For official grain inspection 

services, contact Columbus at 740-474-3519, Gulf Country at 214- 500-5212, and Northeast 

Indiana at 260-341-7497.

GIPSA is announcing the designation of Minot Grain Inspection, Inc. to provide official Class 

X weighing services under the United States Grain Standards Act, as amended, effective 

January 4, 2011.

GIPSA is announcing that Lewiston Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Lewiston) will cease 

providing official inspection services and voluntarily terminating their designation effective 

December 31, 2010. GIPSA is also asking persons or governmental agencies interested in 

providing official services in the area presently served by Lewiston to submit an application 

for designation. Please submit applications to GIPSA by February 3, 2011.

For further information contact Erik Mojica at 202-720-0414, fax 202-690-2755 or e-mail at

Erik.A.Mojica@usda.gov.

Dana Stewart, 202-720-5091.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 6

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Terry Henry, 202-205-8281

Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov 

Release No.: 17-11

GIPSA Official Designation Activities

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 22, 2011) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) announces the following actions 

on designations to officially inspect and weigh grain in the specified areas of the State of 

Missouri; the State of South; Aberdeen, SD; Bloomington, Ill.; Casa Grande, Ariz.; Decatur, 

Ill.; Fargo, ND; Fulton, Ill.; Grand Forks, ND; Hastings, Neb.; Iowa Falls, Iowa; Owensboro, 

KY; and Plainview, Texas.

GIPSA is asking for applications to provide official services in the areas of Aberdeen, 

SD; Decatur, Ill.; Hastings, Neb.; Fulton, Ill.; the State of Missouri; and the State of South 

Carolina. Additionally, GIPSA is requesting comments on the official agencies presently 

serving these areas. Please submit applications and/or comments to GIPSA by April 21, 

2011. 

GIPSA has designated J. W. Barton Grain Inspection Service, Inc.; Central Illinois Grain 

Inspection, Inc.; Central Iowa Grain Inspection Service, Inc.; Farwell Commodity and Grain 

Services, Inc.; North Dakota Grain Inspection Service, Inc.; Northern Plains Grain Inspection 

Service, Inc.; and Plainview Grain Inspection and Weighing Service, Inc. effective April 

1, 2011, through March 31, 2014. For official grain inspection services, contact Barton at 

270-683-0616, Central Illinois at 309-827-7121, Central Iowa at 641- 648-3467, Farwell 

Southwest at 520-421-1027, North Dakota at 701-293-7420, Northern Plains at 701-772-

2414 and Plainview at 806-893-1364.

For further information, contact Erik Mojica at 202-720-0414, fax 202-690-2755 or e-mail at

Erik.A.Mojica@usda.gov.

Dana Stewart

202-720-5091

USDA.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 7

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Terry Henry, 202-205-8281

Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov 

Release No.: 39-11

GIPSA’s Grain Inspection Advisory Committee to Meet

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2011- USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 

Administration’s (GIPSA) Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (Committee) will meet June 

21-22, 2011, in Kansas City, Mo.

The Committee meeting will take place from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., June 21, 2011, and 8:00 

a.m. - Noon, June 22, 2011, at USDA, GIPSA, National Grain Center, 10383 N. Ambassador 

Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153.

Requests to address the Committee at the meeting or through written comments may be sent 

to: Administrator, GIPSA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 

STOP 3601, Washington, DC 20250-3601. Requests and comments may also be faxed to 

(202) 690-2173.

The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to provide advice to the Administrator of the Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration with respect to the implementation of 

the U.S. Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 71 et seq.). Relevant information about the Advisory 

Committee is available on the GIPSA website. Under the section “I Want To” select “Learn 

about the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee.”

The agenda will include an overview of Federal Grain Inspection Service 2011 operations, 

international programs, contract review program findings, exceptions program, sorghum odor, 

new rice sheller implementation, moisture measurement-rice and soybean study results, 

wheat gluten tests, rapid test kit evaluation program status, and the quality management 

program.

For a copy of the agenda, please contact Terri Henry, (202) 205-8281 or by e-mail

Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov.

Public participation will be limited to written statements, unless permission is received from 

the Committee Chair to orally address the Committee. The meeting will be open to the public.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program 

information or related accommodations should contact Terri Henry, telephone (202) 205-8281 

or fax (202) 690-2173.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 8

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Terry Henry, 202-205-8281

Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov 

Release No.: 46-11

Secretary Vilsack Names Grain Inspection Advisory Committee Members and Alternates

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2011- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the 

appointment of 9 members and 11 alternate members to serve on the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture’s Grain Inspection Advisory Committee. The appointees will serve three-year 

terms.

The new members are: David Cantu, owner/manager, A. Cantue Farms, San Juan, Texas; 

Rennie Davis, president/CEO, Davis Seed Farms, Inc., Vandalia, Mo.; Rigoberto Delgado, 

senior partner, Delgado Farms Lcc, El Paso, Texas; Edgar Hicks, director, Nebraska State 

Grange, Omaha, Neb., Jayce William Hoyt, managing partner, Go Grain LLC, Bozeman, 

Mont.; Paul Lautenschlager, manager, Beach Coop Grain Co., Beach, N.D.; Nannette 

Phegley, operations leader, Cargill/Farm Service Group, Hennepin, Ill.; Omar Garza, special 

project coordinator, Edinburg, Texas, and Sara Ann Sexton-Bowser, director of membership 

services, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Topeka, Kan.

The new alternate members are: James M. Stewart, manager drying and storage, Lundberg 

Family Farms, Richvale, Calif.; Chris W. Breedlove, manager/CEO, Raymondville, Texas; 

Patricia Dumoulin, farmer/owner, Hampshire, Ill.; Daryl P. Stevens, general manager, 

Dakota Quality Grain Cooperative, Parshall, N.D.; Arvid Hawk, president, Global Agricultural 

Consulting, LCC, Eden Prairie, Minn.; Jerald S. Kemmerer, CEO-GM, Dodge City 

Cooperative Exchange, Dodge City, Kan.; Frank Mestas, owner/manager, Rancho Rio 

Grande, Alamosa, Col.; Timothy Dwight Paurus, vice president terminal operations, CHS Inc., 

Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; Todd Russom, manager/quality raw materials, Anheuser-Busch 

InBev, St. Louis, Mo.; Kevin M. Coggins, president/ceo, Harvest Applied Technologies,

Inc., and Francisco Vigil, founder/board member, Northern New Mexico Stockmans 

Association, Jarales, N.M.

The Grain Inspection Advisory Committee is comprised of 15 members and 15 alternate 

members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture who represent all facets of the grain 

industry. The Committee meets twice annually to advise USDA on the establishment of 

programs and services under the U.S. Grain Standards Act.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 9

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 03-11

JBS USA, LLC, fka Swift & Company and Swift Pork Company Is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the

Amount of $175,000

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2011 - On December 22, 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision 

with JBS USA, LLC (JBS), formerly known as Swift & Company and Swift Pork Company, 

Greeley, Colorado.

JBS has been ordered to cease and desist from:

• failing to disclose when missing Fat-O-Meat’er data has prevented JBS from calculating 

the lean percent of a particular carcass or carcasses in a seller’s lot; and

• substituting an undisclosed lean value for carcasses with missing data when calculating 

carcass-merit payment for hogs delivered to JBS’ Worthington, Marshalltown, and 

Louisville processing plants.

JBS has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $175,000 with $50,000 to be 

held in abeyance in accordance with the terms of the Understanding Regarding Consent 

Decision entered between the parties.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries..
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 10

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 01-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $92,500 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled four cases resulting in $92,500 in civil penalties.

Dennis Buhlke, CEO, Ryan Meyer, Head Buyer, Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, LLC, 

Arkansas City, Kansas, waived their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, 

and paid a penalty of $2,500 after GIPSA found that they failed to disclose terms of purchase 

agreements.

Premier Pork Marketing, Inc., Bob Rietema, Kurt Van Beek, Sioux Center, Iowa, waived 

their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $85,000 

after GIPSA found that they charged consignors a commission for marketing services and 

received a second commission from the buyer on the same hogs; their custodial account had 

shortages on February 1, 2010 ($974,285), March 1, 2010 ($629,780), and March 29, 2010 

($621,781); and the custodial account shortages were caused by transferring custodial funds 

to other accounts and permitting the deduction of bank charges from the custodial account.

Bobby F. Molen and John D. Molen, Molen Brothers, Nancy, Kentucky, waived their right to 

a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $1,500 after GIPSA

found that they failed to pay when due.

Brian Egbert, E. Livestock and E. Livestock, Inc., Botkins, Ohio, waived their right to a 

hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $3,500 after GIPSA

found that they failed to pay when due.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 11

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 04-11

GIPSA Alleges Superior Livestock Auction, Inc. Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Superior Livestock 

Auction, Inc. (Superior Livestock), Brush, Colorado:

• used scales to weigh livestock that were not certified and not tested in that the scales had 

not been tested at least twice during the calendar year at intervals of six months;

• failed to maintain and furnish a requested scale test and inspection report; and

• failed to keep and maintain records which fully and correctly disclosed all the transactions 

involved in its business as a market agency.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Superior Livestock on December 28, 2010. If the allegations 

are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Superior Livestock may be ordered to cease and 

desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil 

penalty.

Superior Livestock was engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce 

for its own account and is registered as a market agency selling livestock on commission.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries..
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 12

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 05-11

Joe U. Ambrose, Jr. is Suspended as a Registrant for Five Years

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2011- On January 8, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a decision with Joe U. 

Ambrose, Jr. (Ambrose), California.

Ambrose has been ordered to cease and desist from failing to make full payment for livestock 

purchases. 

He is suspended as a registrant for a period of five years. If unpaid sellers identified in the 

complaint have been paid in full the amount of $349,129.52 or a reasonable schedule of 

restitution has been arranged with the unpaid livestock sellers, a supplemental order may be 

issued permitting Ambrose salaried employment by another registrant or packer.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries..
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 13

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 06-11

Gulf Packing Company, LP and Charles L. Booth Are Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of

$10,000

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2011 - On December 23, 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a decision without 

hearing by reason of consent with Gulf Packing Company, LP (Gulf Packing), San Benito, 

Texas and Charles L. Booth (Booth).

Gulf Packing and Booth have been ordered to cease and desist from:

• failing to pay the full purchase price of livestock; and

• failing to pay for livestock purchases in a timely manner.

Gulf Packing and Booth have also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $10,000.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries..
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 14

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 07-11

USDA Publishes Changes to their Regulations Regarding Grain Inspection, Packers and

Stockyards Administration’s Testing of Scales

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has amended section 201.72(a) (9 CFR 

201.72(a)) of the regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, as amended 

(P&S Act), regarding the requirement that stockyard owners, market agencies, dealers, 

packers, or live poultry dealers that weigh livestock, live poultry, or feed, have their scales 

tested at least twice each calendar year at intervals of approximately 6 months.

This amends the current regulations to state that the 6-month interval in which scale owners 

must have their scales tested each calendar year is no longer approximate. Specifically, this 

requires regulated entities to complete the first of the two scale tests between January 1 and 

June 30 of the calendar year. Therefore, the scale test for the first half of calendar year 2011 

must be completed by June 30, 2011. The remaining scale test is required to be completed 

between July 1 and December 31 of the calendar year. In addition, a minimum period of 120 

days is required between these two tests. More frequent testing would still be required in 

cases where a scale does not maintain accuracy between tests.

GIPSA has provided an exception for the testing of scales used on a limited seasonal basis. 

A seasonal scale is one used from either January 1 through June 30, or July 1 through 

December 31, but not during both periods. GIPSA will require that these scales be tested 

once during the calendar year, within the 6 months prior to use.

That same section of the regulations has been amended to add ‘swine contractors’ to the 

list of regulated entities to which the section applies. GIPSA believes that these changes will 

facilitate GIPSA?s ability to regulate the business operations of stockyard owners, swine 

contractors, market agencies, dealers, packers or live poultry dealers through the effective 

enforcement of the P&S Act.

The final rule was published in the January 20, 2011, Federal Register and is posted on 

GIPSA’s web site. The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment 

protection law that promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, 

meat, and poultry industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 15

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 09-11

Jeremy T. Gorham, dba Euclid Stockyards is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $17,000

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2011 - On January 13, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision 

with Jeremy T. Gorham (Gorham), doing business as Euclid Stockyards, Ontario, California.

Gorham has been ordered to cease and desist from:

• failing to fully reimburse the custodial account in a timely manner; and

• failing to maintain the custodial account in strict conformity with the regulations.

Gorham has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $17,000.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries..
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 16

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 10-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $1,500 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled a case resulting in a $1,500 civil penalty.

Jeff Donkel, Donkel’s Livestock and Poultry, LLC, Bethel, Pennsylvania waived his right to 

a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $1,500 after GIPSA

found that he failed to pay for poultry as required by the P&S Act; failed to provide adequate 

scale records; and failed to timely weigh poultry.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries..
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 17

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 08-11

Allen County Livestock Auction, LLC, John Adams and Dale Peterson Are Assessed a Civil 

Penalty in the Amount of $11,000

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2011 - On January 13, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision 

with Allen County Livestock Auction, LLC (Allen County Livestock), Gas, Kansas; John 

Adams (Adams), Iola, Kansas; and Dale Peterson (Peterson), Marion, Kansas.

Allen County Livestock, Adams, and Peterson have been ordered to cease and desist from:

• failing to deposit in the Custodial Account for Shippers’ Proceeds, in a timely fashion, 

amounts equal to the proceeds received or due from the sale of consigned livestock; and

• failing to maintain the custodial account in strict conformity with the regulations.

Adams has been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $5,500. Peterson has also been 

assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $5,500.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries..
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 18

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 11-11

GIPSA Alleges Victor Peak, dba Peak Livestock Co., LLC Violated the Packers and Stockyards 

Act

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Victor Peak, doing 

business as Peak Livestock Co., LLC. Emporia, Kansas:

• continued to engaged in the business of a dealer without registering with the Secretary of 

Agriculture or maintaining an adequate bond as required by the Packers and Stockyards 

(P&S) Act and the Regulations;

• issued checks for livestock purchases without having sufficient funds to cover the checks;

• failed to pay the full amount for livestock purchased within the time period required by the 

P&S Act; and

• as of November 17, 2010, $375,347.29 remains unpaid for livestock purchases.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Victor Peak on January 24, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Victor Peak may be ordered to cease and desist from 

violating the P&S Act, suspended and assessed a civil penalty.

Victor Peak engaged in the business of a dealer buying and selling livestock in commerce 

and is not registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries..
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 19

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 12-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $2,875 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled two cases resulting in $2,875 civil penalties.

Michael Taylor, doing business as Taylor Livestock, Roseville, Illinois, waived his right to a 

hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $875 after GIPSA found 

that he failed to pay for livestock within the time period required by the P&S Act.

Seaboard Foods, LLC, Shawnee Mission, Kansas, waived its right to a hearing, entered 

into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $2,000 after GIPSA found that it failed to 

provide an option of arbitration and instead bound the producer to arbitration proceedings in 

Kansas City, Missouri, which is not the location where the principal part of the performance of 

the contract was to take place.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 20

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 14-11

GIPSA Alleges Steve (Bubba) Kemp, doing business as Kemp Cattle Violated the Packers and

Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Steve (Bubba) 

Kemp (Kemp), doing business as Kemp Cattle, Tolar, Texas:

• engaged in business as a dealer and market agency without maintaining an adequate 

bond;

• issued checks without having sufficient funds to cover checks;

• purchased livestock and did not pay in a timely fashion the full purchase price for livestock; 

and

• as of the date of this complaint $98,150.18 remains unpaid to sellers.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Kemp January 28, 2011. If the allegations are admitted, 

or proven in an oral hearing, Kemp may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the 

Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil penalty.

Kemp engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce as a dealer or 

buying on a commission basis in commerce; is not registered as a dealer or market agency 

with the Secretary of Agriculture; and operates as a market agency and dealer within the 

jurisdiction of the Secretary and subject to the provisions of the P&S Act.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 21

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 13-11

GIPSA Alleges Mike McEnroe Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Mike McEnroe 

(McEnroe) failed to pay for livestock purchases in a timely manner.

GIPSA filed a complaint against McEnroe on January 28, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, McEnroe may be ordered to cease and desist from 

violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil penalty.

McEnroe was engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce as a 

dealer for his own account and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 22

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 15-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $4,500 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations. 

GIPSA recently settled two cases resulting in $4,500 in civil penalties.

Jimmy Kalka and Tiffany Kalka, dba Chandler Livestock Sales, LLC, Chandler, Oklahoma, 

waived their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of 

$1,500 after GIPSA found that they failed to properly maintain their Custodial Account for 

Shippers’ Proceeds resulting in shortages of $3,805.85 and $6,851.30, respectively.

Scot Blake, Elkton, Kentucky, waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and paid a penalty of $3,000 after GIPSA found that he failed to pay for livestock 

within the time period required by the P&S Act.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 23

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 16-11

GIPSA Alleges Vernon Black Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Vernon Black 

(Black) operated as a market agency without being registered and maintaining a bond.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Black on February 17, 2011. If the allegations are admitted, 

or proven in an oral hearing, Black may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the 

Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil penalty.

Black engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce on a commission basis and 

is not registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries..
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 24

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 19-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $750 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, Mar. 10, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled a case resulting in a $750 civil penalty.

Grove Livestock Auction, Inc., (Grove), Grove, Oklahoma, was advised that it had operated 

without being registered as required by the P&S Act.

Grove waived its right to a hearing, admits that the Secretary has jurisdiction in this matter, 

and neither admits nor denies the violations, and consents and agrees for the purpose of 

settling this matter to pay the sum of $750.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 25

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 18-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $10,600 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Mar. 10, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled two cases resulting in $10,600 in civil penalties.

Jack McGuinness, Quarter Circle Cattle Co, Billings, Montana, waived his right to a hearing, 

entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $6,600 after GIPSA found that he 

failed to pay when due and did not maintain adequate records.

Maxwell Farms of Indiana, Inc., and Maxwell Foods, LLC, Goldsboro, North Carolina 

(Maxwell), waived its right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a 

penalty of $4,000 after GIPSA found that Maxwell failed to: 1) disclose growers rights to 

cancel the contract; 2) include “Additional Capital Investments Disclosure Statement” on 

contract; 3) and include a provision allowing growers to refuse to be bound by arbitration.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 26

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 20-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $5,575 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, Mar. 24, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled a case resulting in a $5,575 civil penalty.

United Pig Placement Services, Sheridan, Indiana, waived its right to a hearing, entered into 

a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $5,575 after GIPSA found that it failed to pay 

when due and failed to comply with contractual requirements.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 27

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 22-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $16,500 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, Mar. 24, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled a case resulting in a $16,500 civil penalty.

Producers Livestock Marketing Association (Producers), Omaha, Nebraska, was advised that 

it had failed to properly maintain its custodial account.

Producers waived its right to a hearing, admits that the Secretary has jurisdiction in this 

matter, and neither admits nor denies the violations, and consents and agrees for the 

purpose of settling this matter to pay the sum of $16,500.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 28

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 21-11

GIPSA Alleges The New Gainesville Livestock Auction, LLC and James Peyrot, Jr. violated the

Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Mar. 24, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that The New 

Gainesville Livestock Auction, LLC (Gainesville LLC) and James Peyrot, Jr. (Peyrot), 

Gainesville, Texas:

• failed to maintain their custodial account resulting in shortages;

• failed to reimburse the custodial account by the close of the next business day after the 

sale for amounts due from the market agency and its owner using the name of Red Bone 

Livestock, Inc.; and

• failed to timely reimburse the custodial account in full for receivables that exceeded seven 

days in aging for deposit items returned unpaid and for bank fees.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Gainesville LLC and Peyrot on March 14, 2011. If the 

allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Gainesville LLC and Peyrot may 

be ordered to cease and desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, 

suspended and assessed a civil penalty.

Peyrot is managing member and 100% owner of The New Gainesville Livestock Auction, 

LLC and is responsible for the day-to-day management, direction, and control of The New 

Gainesville Livestock Auction, LLC. Peyrot is the managing partner and 100% owner of 

Redbone Livestock II, L.P. (Redbone Livestock) and is responsible for the day-to-day 

management, direction, and control of Redbone Livestock.

Gainesville LLC owned and operated The New Gaines Livestock Auction in Gainesville, 

Texas, and also owned and operated The New Gainesville Livestock Auction, LLC, doing 

business as Muenster Livestock Auction. Gainesville LLC is registered with the Secretary as 

a market agency to sell livestock in commerce on a commission basis.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 29

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.:25-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $6,500 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, Mar. 31, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled a case resulting in a $6,500 civil penalty.

Kyle Hendricks and O.G. Hendricks, doing business as Hendricks Livestock, Buffalo, 

Missouri, waived their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid 

a penalty of $6,500 after GIPSA found that they failed to comply with the registration and 

bonding requirements under the P&S Act.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 30

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 24-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $3,000 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, Mar. 31, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled a case resulting in a $3,000 civil penalty.

Tyler D. Gillum, Plainville Livestock Commission, Inc., Plainville, Kansas, waived his right to 

a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $3,000 after GIPSA

found that he had custodial account shortages and misused his custodial account.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 31

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 23-11

Apna Bazaar International, Inc., dba Ali Meat Industries is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the 

Amount of $10,000

WASHINGTON, Mar. 31, 2011- On March 15, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration issued a default decision against 

Apna Bazaar International, Inc. (Apna), doing business as Ali Meat Industries, Orlando, 

Florida.

Apna has been ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay, when due, the full purchase 

price for livestock purchases.

Apna has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $10,000.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 32

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 27-11

Gailal Sbeta and Mohammad Mesallem, dba Islamic Meat and Poultry

Have Been Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $4,000

WASHINGTON, Apr. 7, 2011- On March 28, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision with 

Gailal Sbeta (Sbeta) and Mohammad Mesallem (Mesallem), doing business as Islamic Meat 

and Poultry, Stockton, California.

Sbeta and Mesallem have been ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay for livestock 

purchases within the time period required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.

They have also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $4,000.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 33

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 26-11

GIPSA Settles Two Cases Resulting in $2,000 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Apr. 7, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, Packers 

and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism to quickly 

resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an alleged 

violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation agreement 

to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled two cases resulting in $2,000 in civil penalties.

Elden Hale Ginn, Aberdeen, Ohio, waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and paid a penalty of $500 after GIPSA found that he had failed to pay within the 

time period required by the P&S Act for livestock.

Clinton Wayne Langley, Hugo, Oklahoma, waived his right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $1,500 after GIPSA found that he had failed to 

pay within the time period required by the P&S Act for livestock.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 34

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 28-11

GIPSA Settles Two Cases Resulting in $4,575 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Apr. 14, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled two cases resulting in $4,575 in civil penalties.

T. Kenneth Emery, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, waived his right to a hearing, entered into 

a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $3,500 after GIPSA found that he had failed to 

pay when due.

Toby Meyer, dba M&M Cattle and Cody Murray and Toby Meyer Order Buyer, LLC, dba 

M&M Cattle and Toby Meyer Order Buyer, LLC, Sulvan Grove, Kansas, waived their right to 

a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $1,075 after GIPSA

found that they failed to pay when due.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 35

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 32-11

WW Boer Goats, Inc., aka Boer Meat Goats, LLC and Frank Willis Violated the Packers and

Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Apr. 21, 2011- On April 13, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision with WW 

Boer Goats, Inc. (Boer Goats), also known as Boer Meat Goats, LLC (Boer Meat) and Frank 

Willis (Willis), Adair, Okla.

Boer Goats, Boer Meat, and Willis have been ordered to cease and desist from:

• failing to pay for livestock purchases within the time period required by the Packers and 

Stockyards (P&S) Act; and

• operating without obtaining the necessary registration and bond required by the P&S Act 

and regulations.

• They have also been ordered to:

• keep and maintain adequate and accurate purchase records for all livestock purchases; 

and

• to maintain a registration and adequate bond for each entity operating subject to the P&S 

Act.

They are suspended as registrants for a period of 150 days and thereafter until adequate 

bond is maintained.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 36

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 30-11

GIPSA Settles Two Cases Resulting in $5,200 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Apr. 21, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled two cases resulting in $5,200 in civil penalties.

Double H Slaughtering, doing business as The Beef Shop, Centralia, Wash., waived its right 

to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $1,500 after GIPSA

found that they had failed to pay when due for livestock.

Keith Jensen, doing business as Keith Jensen Livestock, Langford, S.D., waived his right to 

a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $3,700 after GIPSA

found that he had failed to pay when due for livestock.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries..
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 37

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 31-11

GIPSA Alleges Park Poultry, Inc. doing business as Park Farms Violated the Packers and

Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Apr. 21, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Park Poultry, Inc. 

(Park Poultry), doing business as Park Farms, Canton, Ohio:

• failed to make payments when due under a poultry growing arrangement with poultry 

growers; and

• failed to use serially numbered scale tickets.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Park Poultry April 6, 2011. If the allegations are admitted, or 

proven in an oral hearing, Park Poultry may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the 

Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil penalty.

Park Poultry engaged in the business of obtaining live poultry by purchase or under poultry 

growing arrangements for the purpose of slaughter, shipped processed poultry products in 

commerce, and operated as a live poultry dealer subject to the provisions of the P&S Act.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 38

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 29-11

GIPSA Alleges Clay Billingsley Operated as a Market Agency

Without Being Registered and Bonded

WASHINGTON, Apr. 21, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Clay Billingsley, 

Frankston, Texas, operated as a market agency without being registered and bonded.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Clay Billingsley on April 8, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Clay Billingsley may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil 

penalty.

Clay Billingsley engaged in the business of a market agency purchasing livestock in 

commerce on a commission basis and is not registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 39

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 33-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $2,500 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, Apr. 28, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settles a case resulting in a $2,500 civil penalty.

Rex G. Riley Cattle, LLC, Loudonville, Ohio, waived his right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $2,500 after GIPSA found that he failed to pay 

when due for livestock.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 40

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 35-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $7,400 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, May 05, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled a case resulting in a $7,400 civil penalty.

Forrest Gregg Jernigan, doing business as Gold Tex Cattle Co., Valley Mills, Texas -- waived 

his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $7,400 

after GIPSA found that he operated without registration and bond; unfair and deceptive trade 

practices.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 41

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 34-11

GIPSA Alleges Berry & Sons Rababeh Islamic Slaughter House, Inc. Violated the Packers and

Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, May 05, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Berry & Sons 

Rababeh Islamic Slaughter House, Inc. (Berry & Sons), Detroit, Michigan:

• failed to pay the full purchase price for livestock purchases in a timely manner; and

• continued to operate as a packer after being notified that its bond would terminate August 

7, 2010.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Berry & Sons on March 23, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Berry & Sons may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the Packers and Stockyard (P&S) Act and assessed a civil penalty.

Berry & Sons engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce for the purposes of 

slaughter and manufacturing or preparing meats or meat products for sale or shipment in 

commerce and is a packer subject to the P&S Act.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries..
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 42

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 37-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $3,100 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled two cases resulting in $3,100 in civil penalties.

Larry Herd, Herne, Texas - Herd waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and paid a penalty of $1,800 after GIPSA found that he operated without bond 

(June 22, 2009, thru July 21, 2009) and operated with an inadequate bond (January 18, 

2010, thru March 13, 2010).

Kenneth Gonnering Livestock, Inc., Seymour, Wisconsin - waived its right to a hearing, 

entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $1,300 after GIPSA found that it 

failed to pay when due for livestock.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 43

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 36-11

GIPSA Alleges Richard L. Reece Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Richard L. Reece 

(Reece), Adel, Iowa:

• purchased livestock and failed to pay for livestock purchases within the time period 

required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act; and

• owes a total of $47,900 to two markets.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Reece on April 29, 2011. If the allegations are admitted, or 

proven in an oral hearing, Reece may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S 

Act, suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Reece engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce for his own account as a 

dealer and as a market agency buying on commission and is registered with the Secretary of 

Agriculture.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 44

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 38-11

GIPSA Settled Two Cases Resulting in $21,000 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations. 

GIPSA settled two cases resulting in $21,000 in civil penalties.

James Barta & Nebraska Livestock Sales of Blue Hill, LLC, dba Blue Hill Livestock Market/

Nebraska Livestock Sales of Norfolk, LLC, dba Norfolk Livestock Market/Nebraska Livestock 

Sales of Ericson, LLC, dba Ericson- Spalding Livestock Market, Fremont, Nebraska -- waived 

its right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $16,000 after 

GIPSA found that it had custodial account shortages (Blue Hill); custodial account shortages 

(Norfolk); Insolvency (Norfolk; and custodial account shortages (Ericson).

Gypson and Sonia G. Fernandez Florence Meat Packing Co., Inc., dba White House 

Packing Company, Fairmount, North Carolina - waived their right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $5,000 after GIPSA found that they failed to pay 

when due and issued nonsufficient funds checks for livestock.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 45

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 40-11

GIPSA Alleges Clay Billingsley Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Clay Billingsley 

(Billingsley), Frankston, Texas, operated as a market agency without registering with the 

Secretary of Agriculture or maintaining an adequate bond as required by the Packers and 

Stockyards (P&S) Act and the Regulations.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Billingsley on April 8, 2011. If the allegations are admitted, or 

proven in an oral hearing, Billingsley may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the 

P&S Act, suspended and assessed a civil penalty.

Billingsley engaged in the business of a market agency purchasing livestock in commerce on 

a commission basis and is not registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 46

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 43-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $3,000 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled a case resulting in a $3,000 civil penalty.

Mark Colgan, Laura, Illinois -- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and paid a penalty of $3,000 after GIPSA found that he failed to pay when due 

for livestock.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 47

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 42-11

GIPSA Alleges Clair Hull, dba Pioneer Specialty Foods, LLC Violated the Packers and 

Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2011- On May 18, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Clair 

Hull (Hull), doing business as Pioneer Specialty Foods, LLC:

• purchased livestock and failed to pay for livestock purchases in a timely fashion;

• did not have sufficient funds to cover checks that were issued for payment for livestock 

purchases; and

• owes a total of $143,227.03 to two individuals

GIPSA filed a complaint against Hull on April 26, 2011. If the allegations are admitted, or 

proven in an oral hearing, Hull may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the Packers 

and Stockyards (P&S) Act and assessed a civil penalty.

Hull engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce for the purpose of slaughter 

and manufacturing or preparing meats or meat products for sale or shipment in commerce 

and is a packer.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 48

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 41-11

Curtis Walton, dba Walton Livestock is assessed A Civil Penalty in the Amount of $4,000

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2011- On May 18, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) entered into a consent decision 

with Curtis Walton, doing business as Walton Livestock, Lamar, Indiana.

Curtis Walton has been ordered to cease and desist from:

• marking up the purchase price of livestock and charging a commission on that same 

livestock, obtaining both a dealer profit and a commission fee as a market agency buying 

on commission for the same livestock in the same transactions; and

• operating without obtaining the necessary registration and bond required by the Packers 

and Stockyards (P&S Act) and regulations.

Curtis Walton has been instruction to keep accounts, records and memoranda that fully and 

correctly disclose all transactions involved in his business. He has also been assessed a civil 

penalty in the amount of $4,000. Curtis Walton is to make restitution to the livestock sellers 

affected in the total amount of $576.80.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 49

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 44-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $1,500 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled a case resulting in a $1,500 civil penalty.

Steven Peterson, Owen, Wisc. - waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and paid a penalty of $1,500 after GIPSA found that he failed to pay when due 

for livestock.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 50

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 45-11

GIPSA Alleges Jeff Hayes, dba Rockin 2H Farms Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Jeff Hayes 

(Hayes), doing business as Rockin 2H Farms:

• purchased livestock and failed to pay for livestock purchases;

• did not have sufficient funds to cover checks that were issued for payment for livestock 

purchases; and

• is not registered with the Secretary of Agriculture and is not bonded.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Hayes on May 4, 2011. If the allegations are admitted, or 

proven in an oral hearing, Hayes may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the 

Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil penalty.

Hayes engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce as a dealer for 

his own account and was not registered with the Secretary as a dealer or market agency 

under the P&S Act.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 51

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 47-11

GIPSA Settles Three Cases Resulting in $9,275 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, June 30, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA recently settled three cases resulting in $9,275 in civil penalties.

Christopher Arnaman, Cameron, Ohio - waived his right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $2,425 after GIPSA found that he had failed to 

pay when due for livestock; issued insufficient funds checks; deceptive trade practices; and 

marked up prices and weights.

Steve Sterchi, Oakland, Ky. - waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and paid a penalty of $3,000 after GIPSA found that he had operated without a 

proper bond and operated without being registered.

Clarence W. Van Handel & Sons, Kaukauna, Wis. - waived his right to a hearing, entered into 

a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $3,850 after GIPSA found that he failed to pay 

when due for livestock.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 52

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 48-11

John Morrell & Co. Are Assessed A Civil Penalty in the Amount of $162,500

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2011- On July 6, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) entered into a consent decision 

with John Morrell & Co. (Morrell), Cincinnati, Ohio.

Morrell has been ordered to cease and desist from:

Failing to disclose when missing data has prevented Morrell from calculating the lean percent 

of a particular carcass or carcasses in a seller’s lot; and

Substituting an undisclosed lean value for carcasses with missing data when calculating 

carcass-merit payments for hogs delivered to Morrell’s processing plants.

Morrell has been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $162,500 of which $37,500 will be 

held in abeyance until Morrell identifies underpaid sellers and makes restitution.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 53

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 50-11

Vermilion Ranch Co., dba Northern Livestock Video Auction is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the

Amount of $9,000

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2011- On June 22, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) entered into a consent decision 

with Vermilion Ranch (Vermilion Ranch) Co., doing business as Northern Livestock Video 

Auction, Billings, Mont.

Vermilion Ranch has been ordered to cease and desist from using rejected or inactive scales 

in the weighment of livestock for the purposes of purchase, sale, acquisition, payment or 

settlement.

Vermilion Ranch has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $9,000.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 54

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 49-11

GIPSA Settles Five Cases Resulting in $16,150 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled five cases resulting in $16,150 in civil penalties.

M2 P2, LLC dba Pork Technologies, L.C., Ames, Iowa -- waived their right to a hearing, 

entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $9,000 after GIPSA found that 

they failed to disclose, in the swine production contract, the growers right to cancel no later 

than three business days after the date the swine production contract is executed. They also 

failed to advise the grower that additional large capital investment may be required during 

the term of the swine production contract, and that any disputes that come from their contract 

must be settled in the Federal judicial district where the principle part of the performance 

takes place under the contract.

Craanen Livestock, LLC, Denmark, Wis. -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $625 after GIPSA found that they failed to pay 

when due for livestock.

Luther E. Spooner, Jr., President, Luke Spooner Cattle Co., Donalsonville, Ga. -- waived his 

right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $1,700 after 

GIPSA found that he failed to pay when due for livestock purchases.

Gary W. Anderson, Hanley Falls, Minn. -- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $1,225 after GIPSA found that he increased the 

price of cattle purchased on an order buying basis.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 55

Farmers Livestock Market, doing business as Springlake Stockyard, Moneta, Va. -- waived 

their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $3,600 

after GIPSA found that they had custodial account shortages and misused their custodial 

account.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 56

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 53-11

GIPSA Alleges Stagno’s Meat Company, Inc. Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Stagno’s 

(Stagno’s) Meat Company, Inc., Modesto, Calif: 

Failed to pay, when due, for livestock purchases;

Failed to pay for livestock on actual hot weights; and

Charged a kill charge service fee for each transaction.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Stagno’s on July 12, 2011. If the allegations are admitted, 

or proven in an oral hearing, Stagno’s may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the 

Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act and assessed a civil penalty.

Stagno’s engaged in the business of a buying livestock in commerce for the purpose of 

slaughter; engaged in the business of manufacturing or preparing meat and meat food 

products for sale or shipment in commerce; and is a packer.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 57

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 54-11

GIPSA Alleges Randy Myers Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Randy Myers 

(Myers), after being notified to discontinue all livestock operations for which bonding is 

required under the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, continues to buy livestock in

commerce on a commission basis without registering or maintaining an adequate bond as 

required by the P&S Act and Regulations.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Myers on June 15, 2011. If the allegations are admitted, or 

proven in an oral hearing, Myers may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S 

Act, suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Myers engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce on a commission basis and 

is not registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 58

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 51-11

Daniel Murray is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $2,500

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2011- On June 11, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) entered into a consent decision 

with Daniel Murray.

Daniel Murray has been ordered to cease and desist from operating as a dealer buying on 

commission without a proper bond or bond equivalent.

He has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $2,500.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 59

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 52-11

Charles Jeffers is Suspended as a Registrant

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2011- On July 11, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) entered into a decision with 

Charles Jeffers (Jeffers), Somerset, Ohio.

Jeffers has been ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay the full purchase price of 

livestock. 

He has also been suspended as a registrant for a period of five years. The suspension may 

be modified if Jeffers provides proof that full payment has been made to the unpaid livestock 

sellers or consignors or if he secures the approval of the unpaid seller to a plan for payment.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 60

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 55-11

GIPSA Settles Eight Cases Resulting in $28,575 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled eight cases resulting in $28,575 in civil penalties.

Tim Heck, Neilsville, Wis. - waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, 

and paid a penalty of $2,500 after GIPSA found that he was operating without a bond.

Lynch Livestock, Inc., Waucoma, Iowa - waived their right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $2,500 after GIPSA found that they failed to 

disclose the right to cancel production contracts and additional capital investments.

Bruce Hild, Neligh, Neb. - waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, 

and paid a penalty of $5,275 after GIPSA found that he failed to pay when due for livestock 

purchases.

Galen D. Miller, Crystal Valley Farms, LLC, doing business as Miller Poultry, Orland, Ind. 

- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of 

$3,000 after GIPSA found that he failed to pay for poultry within the time period required by 

the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Travis Witt and T&M Cattle, Inc., Falls City, Neb. - waived his right to a hearing, entered into 

a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $2,075 after GIPSA found that he failed to pay 

for livestock when due and did not maintain adequate records.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 61

Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., Springdale, Ark. - waived their right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $7,850 after GIPSA found that they had used an 

inaccurate scale to purchase livestock for slaughter.

Clint Smith and MCCS Livestock, Inc., doing business as Leflore County Livestock Auction, 

Wister, Okla. - waived their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid 

a penalty of $2,875 after GIPSA found that they had shortages in their custodial account for 

shippers’ proceeds.

Cascade Livestock Auction, Cascade, Iowa - waived their right to a hearing, entered into 

a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $2,500 after GIPSA found that they had 

custodial account shortages and misused their custodial account.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 62

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 58-11

George Gonzalez is assessed A Civil Penalty in the Amount of $1,230

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2011- On July 26, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) entered into a consent decision 

with George Gonzalez (Gonzalez), Donna, Texas.

Gonzalez has been ordered to cease and desist from engaging in operations subject to 

the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act without maintaining an adequate bond and proper 

registration and assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $1,230.

Gonzalez no longer operates as a market agency subject to the P&S Act. If Gonzalez wishes 

to resume operations subject to the P&S Act, Gonzalez must register and obtain a proper 

bond before resuming operations.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 63

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 57-11

GIPSA Settles Two Cases Resulting in $6,190 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settles two cases resulting in $6,190 in civil penalties.

John R. Malouff, Jr. and Southern Colorado Livestock Auction Fowler, LLC, Fowler, Colo. 

-- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of 

$4,690 after GIPSA found that he was operating with shortages in his custodial account for 

shippers’ proceeds in the amounts of $10,495.04, $8,584.88, and $4,624.13.

Lolli Brothers Livestock Market, Inc., Macon, Mo. - waived their right to a hearing, entered 

into a stipulation agreement, and paid a penalty of $1,500 after GIPSA found that they used 

deceptive trade practices and falsified records.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 64

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 56-11

GIPSA Alleges Comanche Livestock Exchange, LLC and Michael Dean Cagel Had Shortages in 

their Custodial Account for Shippers’ Proceeds

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Comanche 

Livestock Exchange, LLC (Comanche Livestock) and Michael Dean Cagel (Cagel), 

Comanche, Texas:

• failed to maintain and properly use their custodial account causing shortages in the 

account;

• failed to deposit into the custodial account, within the time prescribed, an amount equal to 

the proceeds receivable from the sale of consigned livestock and permitted the withdrawal 

of bank charges from their custodial account; and

• Comanche Livestock was insolvent with current liabilities exceeding current assets.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Comanche Livestock and Cagel on July 27, 2011. If the 

allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Comanche Livestock and Cagel 

may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, 

suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Comanche Livestock engaged in the business of a market agency selling livestock on a 

commission basis and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture as a dealer to buy 

and sell livestock in commerce for its own account and as a market agency selling on 

commission.

Cagel is the 100% owner of Comanche Livestock and responsible for the day-to-day 

management, direction and control of Comanche Livestock.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 65

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 63-11

GIPSA Alleges American Beef Company, LLC, Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection,

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that American Beef

Company, LLC (American Beef), Rockville, Mo.:

• operated as a packer without obtaining a proper bond or bond equivalent. American Beef

continued to operate after being notified by GIPSA that it must obtain a $130,000 clause

4 bond or bond equivalent before it continues to purchase livestock; and

• failed to pay the full purchase price for livestock in a timely fashion.

GIPSA filed a complaint against American Beef on July 28, 2011. If the allegations are

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, American Beef may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the P&S Act and assessed a civil penalty.

American Beef engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce for the purposes of

slaughter and manufacturing or preparing meat or meat products for sale or shipment in

commerce and is a packer.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 66

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 62-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $2,400 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection,

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism to

quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

• GIPSA settled a case resulting in a $2,400 civil penalty.

Gerald Mercer, President, Enterprise, Ala. -- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a

stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,400 after GIPSA found that he failed 

to pay when due for livestock and issued insufficient funds check for livestock.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 67

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 61-11

GIPSA Alleges Montana Livestock Auction, Inc., and Kenneth Moe Misused its Custodial

Account

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection,

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Montana 

Livestock Auction, Inc. (Montana Livestock), Ramsay, Montana, and Kenneth Moe (Moe), 

Ramsay, Mont.:

• failed to properly use and maintain its custodial account;

• failed to deposit into the account an amount equal to the proceeds receivable from the sale 

of consigned livestock in a timely manner;

• failed to remit, when due, the net proceeds due from the sale of livestock on a commission 

basis;

• misused custodial account funds;

• permitted bank fees to be charged to its custodial account;

• had multiple custodial account shortages; and

• issued checks without having funds to cover the checks.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Montana Livestock and Moe on July 7, 2011. If the 

allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Montana Livestock and Moe may be 

ordered to cease and desist from violating the Packers and Stockyard (P&S) Act, suspended, 

and assessed a civil penalty.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 68

Montana Livestock engaged in the business of conducting and operating a posted stockyard

subject to the provisions of the P&S Act; engaged in the business of a market agency selling

consigned livestock on a commission basis; and is registered with the Secretary of 

Agriculture.

Moe was the sole owner of Montana Livestock; responsible for the day-to-day direction,

management, and control of Montana Livestock, and a market agency subject to the 

provisions of the P&S Act.

On or about February 20, 2009, Moe sold his ownership interest in Montana Livestock. The 

newowners operate under the name Montana Livestock Auction and are registered with the 

Secretary of Agriculture. These allegations are in no way associated with the new owners.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 69

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 59-11

Clay Billingsley is assessed A Civil Penalty in the Amount of $9,800

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2011- On July 28, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision with Clay

Billingsley (Billingsley), Frankston, Texas.

• Billingsley has been ordered to cease and desist from engaging in operations subject to 

the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act without filing and maintaining an adequate bond. 

He is prohibited from engaging in business in any capacity for which bonding is required 

without first becoming properly registered under the P&S Act.

• Billingsley has been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $9,800.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 70

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 65-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $5,000 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection,

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled a case resulting in a $5,000 civil penalty.

Ben Harrison, Amick Farms, LLC, Batesburg, S.C. -- waived his right to a hearing, entered 

into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $5,000 after GIPSA found that 

he failed to pay when due for poultry.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 71

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 64-11

GIPSA Alleges Upchurch Livestock, Inc., Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Upchurch 

Livestock, Inc. (Upchurch Livestock), Science Hill, Ky., failed to pay, when due, the full 

purchase price for livestock.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Upchurch Livestock on August 19, 2011. If the allegations 

are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Upchurch Livestock may be ordered to cease 

and desist from violating the Packers and Stockyard (P&S) Act, suspended, suspended, and 

assessed a civil penalty.

Upchurch Livestock was engaged in the business as a dealer, buying and selling livestock in 

commerce for its own account; and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 72

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 66-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $11,125 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled cases resulting in $11,125 in civil penalties.

4-M Incorporated, Enterprise, Ala. -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $3,500 after GIPSA found that they failed to pay 

when due for livestock.

Joy Bretz and Hill City Livestock Commission Co., Inc., Hill City, Kan. -- waived her right to a

hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,750 after 

GIPSA found that she had custodial shortages.

Richard Hall, Larry Bussert, BEF Foods, Inc., Columbus, Ohio -- waived their right to a 

hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $3,500 after 

GIPSA found that they failed to pay when on actual weights for livestock.

Schwartz Farms, Inc., Sleepy Eye, Minn. -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a

stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,125 after GIPSA found that they 

failed to comply with contractual requirements.

Myron Haug, Pine City, Minn. -- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $250 after GIPSA found that he purchased cattle 

on estimated weights.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 73

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 67-11

Montana Livestock Auction, Inc. and Kenneth Moe are Prohibited from

Operating and assessed A Civil Penalty in the Amount of $13,500

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2011 – On August 9, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision 

with Montana Livestock, Inc. (Montana Livestock) and Kenneth Moe (Moe), Ramsay, Mont.

Montana Livestock and Moe have been ordered to cease and desist from:

• ailing to deposit into their Custodial Account for Shippers’ Proceeds an amount equal to 

the proceeds receivable or due from the sale of consigned livestock in a timely manner;

• failing to properly use and maintain its custodial account;

• using funds received as proceeds from the sale of consigned livestock for any purpose 

other than payment to consignors of the amount due from the sale of their livestock and 

payment of lawful marketing charges;

• issuing check without having funds to cover the checks; and

• failing to remit, when due, the net proceeds due from the sale of livestock on a commission 

basis.

Montana Livestock is suspended as a registrant for a period of five years and Moe is 

prohibited from registering to engage in business subject to the Packers and Stockyards 

(P&S) act for a period of five years. They have also been assessed a civil penalty in the 

amount of $13,500, which will be held in abeyance subject to the terms and conditions as 

stated above.

On or about February 20, 2009, Moe sold his ownership interest in Montana Livestock. 

The new owners of the facility operate under the name Montana Livestock Auction and are 

registered with the Secretary of Agriculture. This decision is in no way associated with the 

new owners.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 74

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 68-11

GIPSA Alleges C. David Emmons Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection,

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that C. David Emmons

(Emmons), failed to pay, when due, the full purchase price for livestock.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Emmons on August 31, 2011. If the allegations are admitted,

or proven in an oral hearing, Emmons may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the

Packers and Stockyard (P&S) Act, suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Emmons was engaged in business as a dealer, buying and selling livestock in commerce for 

its own account; and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 75

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 69-11

Lake Odessa Livestock Auction, Inc., Ravenna Auction, LLC, and La Verne

Lettinga are assessed A Civil Penalty in the Amount of $35,000

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2011 – On August 11, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision 

with Lake Odessa Livestock Auction, Inc. (Lake Odessa) and La Verne Lettinga (Lettinga), 

Lake Odessa, Michigan, and Ravenna Auction, LLC (Ravenna Auction), Ravenna, Michigan.

Lake Odessa, Lettinga, and Ravenna Auction have been ordered to cease and desist from:

• failing to deposit into their Custodial Accounts for Shippers’ Proceeds amounts equal to the 

outstanding proceeds receivable from the sale of consigned livestock in a timely manner;

• failing to maintain their custodial accounts in strict conformity with the regulations;

• using funds received as proceeds from the sale of consigned livestock for any purpose 

other than payment to consignors of the amount due from the sale of their livestock and 

payment of lawful marketing charges including:

• payment of insufficient check charges and other bank fees,

• transferring custodial account proceeds from custodial accounts into general 

operating accounts,

• diverting custodial account funds and proceeds from the sales of livestock to 

noncustodial accounts or other businesses,

• withdrawing from custodial account funds marketing charges not yet earned, and

• repaying loans, except as permitted by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act or 

regulations.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 76

• issuing custodial account checks without having sufficient funds available in the custodial 

account and failing to remit, when due, the proceeds due from the sale of livestock;

• misrepresenting to consignors the actual weight and purchase prices of livestock sold on 

grade and weight basis to packers resulting in a monetary loss to consignors; and

• failing to keep accounts, records, and memoranda that fully and correctly disclosed all 

transactions involved in their business.

Lettinga is suspended for a period of one year. During this period, Lettinga is prohibited from

exercising any management, direction, and control of Lake Odessa and Ravenna Auction.

Lake Odessa and Ravenna Auction, separately, are suspended for 60 days. This suspension 

will be held in abeyance for one year provided:

1. Lettinga does not exercise any management, direction, and control of Lake Odessa or 

Ravenna Auction and does not operate, subject to the P&S Act, during the one year period 

of suspension.

2. Lake Odessa and Ravenna Auction properly maintain their custodial accounts.

3. Lake Odessa and Ravenna Auction do not misrepresent to consignors the actual weight 

and purchase prices of livestock sold for consignors.

4. Lake Odessa and Ravenna Auction do not issue or cause to be issued, regarding the 

purchase and sale of livestock, accounts of purchase, invoices, billings, or any other 

documents showing false, inaccurate, or misleading weight and purchase price entries for 

livestock.

5. Lake Odessa and Ravenna Auction maintain complete and adequate records, including

but not limited to, copies of all buyers’ bills and records tracing all buyers’ purchases to 

corresponding payments.

They have also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $35,000.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 77

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 70-11

Royal Halal Meats, Inc. Is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of

$10,000

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2011 – On July 5, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a

default decision against Royal Halal Meats , Inc. (Royal Halal), Detroit, Michigan, in which

Royal Halal was ordered to cease and desist from:

• failing to pay the full purchase price for livestock purchases in a timely fashion; and

• issuing checks for livestock purchases without having sufficient funds to cover the checks.

Royal Halal has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $10,000.

The default decision resolves charges that were filed on August 6, 2010, in which Royal Halal

was alleged to have:

• purchased livestock on a live-weight basis and failed to pay the full purchase price for 

livestock;

• issued a check for livestock purchases without having sufficient funds to cover the check; 

and

• as of the date of the complaint, approximately $58,535.94 remained unpaid for livestock 

purchases.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 78

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 71-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $22,450 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled cases resulting in $22,450 in civil penalties.

Forester’s 4-F Cattle Company, LTD, Larue, Texas -- waived their right to a hearing, entered 

into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $5,800 after GIPSA found that 

they failed to pay for livestock within the time period required by the P&S Act and issued 

checks without having the funds to cover the checks.

Lampaert Meats, Inc., Duvall, Wash. -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,650 after GIPSA found that they 

failed to use a tare that included only the weight of equipment.

John Morrell & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio -- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $15,000 after GIPSA found that they failed to 

include proper choice of law and venue and failed to disclose and provide an option to 

decline arbitration.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 79

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 72-11

GIPSA Alleges Welch Stockyards, LLC, and Darrel R. Clark Violated the Packers and Stockyards 

Act

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Welch 

Stockyards, LLC (Welch Stockyards) and Darrel R. Clark (Clark), Seneca, Mo.:

• misused its custodial account by using the custodial account funds to pay for outstanding 

loans;

• misused its custodial account by permitting the withdrawal of bank charges from its 

custodial account;

• issued insufficient funds checks; and

• failed to timely remit the net proceeds due to consignors from the sale of livestock on a 

commission basis. After payout from Welch Stockyards’ bond, $35,490.74 remains unpaid.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Welch Stockyards and Clark on September 6, 2011. If the 

allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Welch Stockyards and Clark may be 

ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and assessed a civil 

penalty.

Welch Stockyards engaged in the business of a market agency selling livestock in commerce 

on a commission basis and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture as a dealer to buy 

and sell livestock in commerce and as a market agency to sell livestock in commerce on a 

commission basis.

Clark is the sole member of Welch Stockyards, owner, and responsible for the direction, 

management, and control of Welch Stockyards.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 80

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 73-11

GIPSA Alleges Philip Ambrose Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Philip Ambrose 

(Ambrose), continues to purchase livestock without a bond.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Ambrose on September 9, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Ambrose may be ordered to cease and desist from 

violating the P&S Act, suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Ambrose engaged in the business of a market agency purchasing livestock in commerce 

on a commission basis. Ambrose’s registration with the Secretary of Agriculture as a dealer 

buying livestock for his own account or the accounts of others is currently in an inactive 

status.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 81

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 74-11

GIPSA Alleges Jallaq Livestock, Inc. and Majdi Jallaq Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Jallaq Livestock, 

Inc. (Jallaq Livestock) and Majdi Jallaq (Jallaq), Grove City, Ohio:

• issued insufficient funds checks; and

• failed to pay, when due, the full purchase price for livestock (payments were made 

between approximately 6 and 36 days late).

GIPSA filed a complaint against Jallaq Livestock and Jallaq on September 6, 2011. If the 

allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Jallaq Livestock and Jallaq may be 

ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act and assessed a civil penalty.

Jallaq Livestock was engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce for the 

purpose of slaughter and of manufacturing or preparing meats or meat products for sale or 

shipment in comer and is a packer.

Jallaq was the 100% owner, registered agent and responsible for the direction, management, 

and control of Jallaq Livestock.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 82

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 75-11

GIPSA Alleges Josephine E. Bonaccurso, Inc., dba Salem Packing Co., Samuel Bonaccurso, and 

Josephine E. Bonaccurso Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) has found evidence that Josephine 

E. Bonaccurso, Inc., doing business as Salem Packing Co. (Salem Packing), Samuel 

Bonaccurso, and Josephine E. Bonaccurso, Salem, N.J.:

• failed to pay, when due, for livestock purchases;

• failed to pay the full purchase price of livestock; and

• had current liabilities in excess of current assets.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Salem Packing, Samuel Bonaccurso, and Josephine E. 

Bonaccurso on September14, 2011. If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral 

hearing, the respondents may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act and 

assessed a civil penalty.

Salem Packing is a packer operating in commerce.

Samuel Bonaccurso is president; a 49% shareholder; and is responsible for the purchase of 

all livestock and the payment of all debts; and is operating Salem Packing with Josephine E. 

Bonaccurso.

Josephine E. Bonaccuro is a 51% shareholder; and is with Samuel Bonaccurso, operating 

Salem Packing.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 83

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 76-11

Duane Schmidt is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $2,500

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2011- April 22, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) entered into a consent decision 

with Duane Schmidt (Schmidt), Bancroft, S.D.

Schmidt has been ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay for livestock purchases 

within the time period required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.

He has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $2,500.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 84

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 77-11

Lonnie & Karen Martin Are Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $15,000

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2011- July 5, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a 

default decision against Lonnie & Karen Martin (the Martins), of East Earl, Pa. The Martins 

were ordered to cease and desist from:

• failing to pay the full purchase price of livestock; and

• buying livestock in commerce for purposes of slaughter without maintaining an adequate 

bond or bond equivalent as required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act and 

Regulations.

The Martins have also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $15,000.

The default decision resolves charges that were filed on April 15, 2010, in which the Martins 

were alleged to have:

• failed to pay for livestock purchases within the time period required by the P&S Act;

• bought livestock in commerce without maintaining an adequate bond;

• issued checks in payment for livestock purchases without maintaining sufficient funds to 

cover payment; and

• as of the date of the filing of the complaint, owing payment to four livestock sellers in the 

amount of $236,946.02.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 85

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 78-11

GIPSA Alleges Haskell Livestock Auction Company, Inc., Bryan D. Rainey, aka B.D. Rainey, 

and Kathrene Francine Rainey, aka Francine Rainey Failed to Properly Maintain Its Custodial 

Account for Shippers’ Proceeds

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Haskell Livestock 

Auction Company, Inc. (Haskell); Bryan D. Rainey, also known as B.D. Rainey (B.D. Rainey); 

and Kathrene Francine Rainey, also known as Francine Rainey (F. Rainey):

• failed to properly maintain its custodial account;

• permitted bank charges to be charged to the custodial account and misused the custodial 

account by remitting proceeds for purported livestock transactions that did not occur;

• B.D. Rainey used custodial account funds to pay for his individual dealer purchases;

• issued checks to consignors/shippers without having sufficient funds to cover checks;

• •failed to timely remit, as required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act and 

Regulations, the net proceeds due to consignors from the sale of livestock on a 

commission basis. After payout from Haskell’s bond, $1,064.25 remains unpaid;

• failed to keep and maintain records which fully and correctly disclosed all the transactions 

involved in its business as a market agency; and

• falsified records by generating invoices and generating and issuing checks in payment for 

purported livestock purchases that did not occur.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 86

GIPSA filed a complaint against Haskell, B.D. Rainey and F. Rainey on September 14, 2011. 

If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Haskell, B.D. Rainey, and F. 

Rainey may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and 

assessed a civil penalty.

Haskell was engaged in the business of a market agency selling livestock in commerce on a 

commission basis and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

B.D. Rainey was engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce as a 

dealer for his own account or for the account of others; is not registered with the Secretary of 

Agriculture; operates as a dealer; and is president, treasurer, general manager and director 

of Haskell; a 51% owner of Haskell and is responsible for the direction, management, and 

control of Haskell.

F. Rainey was vice-president, secretary, a 49% owner, and responsible for the direction, 

management, and control of Haskell.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 87

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 79-11

GIPSA Alleges Michael Okragly, Cherry Okragly, and Okragly Cattle Company, Inc., Violated the 

Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Michael Okragly 

(M. Okragly), Cherry Okragly (C. Okragly), and Okragly Cattle Company, Inc. (Okragly 

Cattle), Billings, Mont.:

• fraudulently added weight to purchase weight and failed to pass on the purchase weights 

to customers; and

• falsified records by deliberately listing a sale weight on invoices to customers different from 

that at which they purchased the cattle.

GIPSA filed a complaint against M. Okragly, C. Okragly, and Okragly Cattle on September 

14, 2011. If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, M. Okragly, C. 

Okragly, and Okragly Cattle may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act, 

suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Okragly Cattle engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce as a 

dealer and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture as a dealer and a market agency to 

buy livestock in commerce on a commission basis.

M. Okragly is the president of Okragly Cattle, 51% shareholder; was responsible for the 

day-to-day management and operations of Okragly Cattle; and with C. Okragly managed, 

directed, and controlled the operations of Okragly Cattle.

C. Okragly is secretary of Okragly Cattle, 49% shareholder, and with M. Okragly managed, 

directed, and controlled the operations of Okragly Cattle.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 88

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 80-11

GIPSA Alleges Jantzi & Jantzi, Ltd.

Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Jantzi & Jantzi, 

Ltd., Sugarcreek, Ohio, purchased livestock in commerce and failed to pay, when due, the full 

purchase price for livestock.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Jantzi & Jantzi, Ltd. on September 14, 2011. If the 

allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Jantzi & Jantzi, Ltd. may be ordered 

to cease and desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended, and 

assessed a civil penalty.

Jantzi & Jantzi, Ltd. engaged in the business as a dealer, buying and selling livestock in 

commerce for his own account.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 89

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 81-11

GIPSA Alleges Robert Morales Cattle Company, dba K-M Cattle

and Robert Morales Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Robert Morales (R. 

Morales):

• purchased livestock and failed to pay for livestock, within the time period required by the 

Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act:

• failed to maintain means to trace his dealer transactions from purchase to sale by failing to 

maintain all purchase and sales invoices, load make-up sheets, and trucking records;

• failed to zero balance his scale, print scale tickets when the scale was zero balanced, 

identify the name of the buyer on his scale tickets, use serially numbered scale tickets and 

keep copies of executed or voided scale tickets.

GIPSA has also found evidence that Robert Morales Cattle Company (Morales Cattle), doing 

business as K-M Cattle under the direction, management, and control of R. Morales:

• purchased livestock and failed to pay, when due, the full purchase price for livestock 

(payments were made approximately 1 – 160 days late);

• failed to keep and maintain records which fully and correctly disclosed all the transactions 

involved in its business as a dealer and market agency; and

• issued scale tickets that were not serially numbered, did not identify the buyer of the 

livestock, did not identify the name, initials, or number of the person who weighed the 

livestock, and contained no record of zero balancing.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 90

GIPSA filed a complaint against Morales Cattle and R. Morales on September 15, 2011. If the 

allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Morales Cattle and R. Morales may 

be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and assessed a civil 

penalty.

Morales Cattle was engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce as 

a dealer for its own account or for the account of others; engaged in the business of a market 

agency buying livestock in commerce on a commission basis; and is registered with the 

Secretary of Agriculture.

R. Morales was president; director; 100% owner; registered agent; and is responsible for the 

direction, management, and control of Morales Cattle.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 91

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 82-11

GIPSA Alleges Ashville Stockyard, Inc., and Bradley and Tilda Plunkett Violated the Packers and 

Stockyards Ac

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Ashville Stockyard, 

Inc. (Ashville), of Ashville, Alabama, and Bradley and Tilda Plunkett:

• operated with a Custodial Account for Shippers’ Proceeds shortage;

• failed to timely reimburse the custodial account;

• withdrew bank charges from the custodial account;

• issued checks without having sufficient funds to cover checks; and

• failed to remit, when due the net proceeds due from the sale of livestock on a commission 

basis.

•

GIPSA filed a complaint against Ashville and Bradley and Tilda Plunkett on September 15, 

2011. If the allegations are admitted, or if proven in an oral hearing, Ashville and Bradley and 

Tilda Plunkett may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards 

(P&S) Act, or may be suspended and assessed a civil penalty.

Ashville was engaged in the business of a dealer buying and selling livestock for its own 

account or account of others and as a market agency buying and selling livestock in 

commerce on a commission basis; and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

Bradley Plunkett is President and a 100% shareholder of Ashville, and has together with 

Tilda Plunkett managed, directed, and controlled Ashville. Bradley Plunkett is not separately 

registered with the Secretary of Agriculture as a dealer who buys and sells livestock in 

commerce or as a market agency to buy on commission.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 92

Tilda Plunkett is secretary and treasurer of Ashville, and has together with Bradley Plunkett 

managed, directed, and controlled Ashville. Tilda Plunkett is not separately registered with 

the Secretary of Agriculture as a dealer who buys and sells livestock in commerce or as a 

market agency buying on commission.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 93

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 83-11

GIPSA Alleges David Ballou Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that David Ballou 

(Ballou), Fletcher, Oklahoma:

• operated as a market agency without being registered and providing a bond; and

• bought livestock in commerce on a commission basis without a bond.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Ballou on September 15, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Ballou may be ordered to cease and desist from 

violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil penalty.

Ballou engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce on a commission basis and 

is not registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 94

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 84-11

Gregory A. Mellott Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $5,000

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 – On September 14, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision 

with Gregory A. Mellott (Mellott), St. Thomas, Pa.

Mellott has been ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay for livestock purchases 

within the time period required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.

Mellott is suspended as a registrant for 60 days and assessed a civil penalty in the amount of 

$5,000.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 95

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 85-11

B&B Livestock Company, Inc. is Assessed a Civil Penalty in the Amount of $10,000

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 – On September 2, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision 

with B&B Livestock Company, Inc., (B&B Livestock), Danville, Ohio.

B&B Livestock has been ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay for livestock 

purchases within the time period required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.

They have also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $10,000.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 96

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 86-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $8,500 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled cases resulting in $8,500 in civil penalties.

Charles D. Minnix, Boones Mill, Va. -- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $500 after GIPSA found that he failed to pay for 

livestock within the time period required by the P&S Act.

TDM Farms, Inc., Camden, Ind. -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,500 after GIPSA found that they failed to 

disclose producer right to cancel the contract; and failed to disclose that additional large 

capital investments may be required.

Synergy, LLC, Sully, Iowa -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,500 after GIPSA found that they failed to 

comply with contractual requirements.

Premier Poultry, Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y. -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,500 after GIPSA found that they 

failed to pay for poultry when due.

Wayne F. Craig, Wayne F. Craig & Sons, Inc., Shippensburg, Pa. -- waived their right to a 

hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,500 after 

GIPSA found that they failed to pay for livestock within the time period required by the P&S 

Act.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 97

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 87-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $5,800 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide

a mechanism to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.

GIPSA may offer an alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and

entering into a stipulation agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled cases resulting in $5,800 in civil penalties.

Schultz Farm Enterprises, Inc., New Hampton, Iowa -- waived their right to a

hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,500 after

GIPSA found that they failed to comply with contractual requirements.

Michael Altice, Wirtz, Va. -- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a

stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,800 after GIPSA found that he

failed to pay when due for livestock purchases.

Sieren Pork, Ltd., Keota, Iowa -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a

stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,500 after GIPSA found that they

failed to disclose right to cancel a production contract and failed to disclose additional

capital investments statement.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 98

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 88-11

GIPSA Alleges Stephen Conley and Larry Conley, dba Conley & Conley Trading

Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Stephen Conley 

and Larry Conley, doing business as Conley & Conley Trading, Cooper, Texas:

• purchased livestock and failed to pay, within the time period required by the Packers and 

Stockyards (P&S) Act, the full purchase price for livestock;

• failed to pay for livestock;

• issued checks without having sufficient funds to cover checks;

• failed to keep records that fully and completely disclosed all transaction involved in their 

business; and

• Stephen Conley continued to operate as a dealer without maintaining a bond.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Stephen and Larry Conley on September 28, 2011. If the 

allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Stephen and Larry Conley may be 

ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and assessed a civil 

penalty.

Stephen Conley is engaged in the business as a dealer, buying and selling livestock in 

commerce for his own account; with Larry Conley, is responsible for the day-to-day direction, 

management, and control of Conley & Conley Trading; and is registered with the Secretary of 

Agriculture.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 99

Larry Conley is engaged in the business as a dealer, buying and selling livestock in 

commerce for his own account; with Stephen Conley, is responsible for the day-to-day 

direction, management, and control of Conley & Conley Trading. He was registered with the 

Secretary of Agriculture, but is no longer registered as his registration expired on June 1, 

2011, due to his failure to file an annual report.

Conley & Conley Trading is a partnership made up of Larry and Stephen Conley.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 100

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 89-11

GIPSA Alleges Kao Vang and Chue Thao, dba California Fresh Meats

Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Kao Vang and 

Chue Thao (respondents), doing business as California Fresh Meats, Sanger, Calif.:

• issued checks in payment for livestock purchases without having sufficient funds to cover 

checks; and

• purchased livestock and failed to pay, when due, the full purchase price for the livestock.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondents on October 4, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondents may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Respondents were engaged in business as dealers, buying and selling livestock in 

commerce for its own account and are registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 101

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 90-11

GIPSA Alleges Williams Cattle Co., Inc. Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Williams Cattle 

Co., Inc., (Williams Cattle) London, Ky., purchased livestock and failed to pay, within the 

time period required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, the full purchase price for 

livestock.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Williams Cattle on October 5, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Williams Cattle may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Williams Cattle engaged in the business as a dealer, buying and selling livestock in 

commerce and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 102

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 92-11

GIPSA Alleges Ronnie Lewis, dba Lazy L Order Buyers Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Ronnie Lewis, 

doing business as Lazy L Order Buyers:

• operated as a dealer without being registered or maintaining an adequate bond as 

required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act;

• purchased livestock and failed to pay the full purchase price for livestock;

• purchased livestock and failed to pay, when due, the full purchase price for livestock; and

• issued checks in partial payment for livestock purchases without having adequate funds to 

cover checks.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Ronnie Lewis on October 5, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Ronnie Lewis may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Ronnie Lewis was engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce on a 

commission basis and is not registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 103

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 93-11

GIPSA Alleges Ocala Livestock Market, Inc., Michael Yeomans, aka Tony Yeomans, and Tobitha 

Yeomans Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Ocala Livestock 

Market, Inc. (Ocala), Lowell, Fla., Michael Yeomans, also known as Tony Yeomans (Tony 

Yeomans), and Tobitha Yeomans:

• failed to deposit collected proceeds from the sale of livestock before the close of the next 

business day;

• failed to reimburse the custodial account for bank charges;

• operated with custodial account shortages; and

• had current liabilities-exceeding current assets.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Ocala, and Tony and Tobitha Yeomans on October 7, 2011. 

If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Ocala, and Tony and Tobitha 

Yeomans may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and 

assessed a civil penalty.

Ocala was engaged in the business of a market agency selling livestock in commerce on a 

commission basis and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

Tony Yeomans is the president, secretary, and 50% owner of Ocala, and with Tobitha 

Yeomans, is responsible for the direction, management, and control of Ocala.

Tobitha Yeomans is the vice-president, treasurer, registered agent, and 50% owner of Ocala, 

and with Tony Yeomans, is responsible for the direction, management, and control of Ocala.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 104

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 94-11

GIPSA Alleges Richard Hayes Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Richard Hayes, 

Hereford, Texas:

• purchased livestock and failed to pay the full amount of the livestock purchase price;

• failed to pay, when due, in a timely fashion the full amount of livestock purchase prices;

• issued checks without having sufficient funds to cover checks; and

• failed to keep records which fully and correctly disclosed all transactions involved in his 

business as a livestock dealer.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Richard Hayes on October 11, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Richard Hayes may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Richard Hayes was engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce for 

his own account and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 105

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 95-11

GIPSA Alleges Robert Smith, dba 4S Cattle Company and Four S Cattle Company Violated the 

Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Robert Smith doing 

business as 4S Cattle Company and Four S Cattle Company, Bigfoot, Texas, engaged in the 

business of a market agency without being registered and maintaining an adequate bond.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Robert Smith on October 11, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Robert Smith may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 106

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 96-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $12,075 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled cases resulting in $12,075 in civil penalties.

Harry D. Hamborsky, Connellsville, Pa. -- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,000 after GIPSA found that he failed 

to pay when due for livestock and issued checks without having sufficient funds to cover 

checks.

Billy Roger Chaffin, Jr., and Chaffin Cattle, LLC, Willis, Va. -- waived their right to a hearing, 

entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,700 after GIPSA

found that they failed to pay when due for livestock purchases.

Randy R. Wientjes, dba Brookport Cattle Co., Metropolis, Ill. -- waived his right to a hearing, 

entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,000 after GIPSA

found that he failed to pay, when due, for livestock purchases and failed to maintain adequate 

records from livestock purchases.

Piedmont Livestock, Inc., Joseph Ray Jones, President, Altamahaw, N.C. – waived their right 

to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,875 

after GIPSA found that they failed to pay, when due, for livestock.

Michael R. Morgan, Bates City, Mo. – waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,000 after GIPSA found that he failed to pay, 

when due, for livestock.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 107

Jaime Belcher, Rockfield, Ky. – waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,500 after GIPSA found that he operated 

without a financial instrument and without being registered.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 108

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 97-11

GIPSA Alleges T&J Meat Packing, Inc. Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that T&J Meat Packing, 

Inc. (respondent), Chicago Heights, Ill.:

• failed to deliver to the livestock sellers (27 transactions with 4 different livestock sellers) 

the full amount of the purchase price before the close of the next business day following 

each purchase of livestock and the transfer of possession;

• failed to keep records that fully and accurately disclosed all transactions involved in its 

business;

• in 22 of the 27 transactions, the respondent made late payment to the livestock sellers by 

check but back-dated the checks to the action transaction date; and

• in 15 additional transactions, the respondent purchased approximately 2,133 head for a 

total purchase price of $108,365.22 and paid the sellers with undated checks.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondent on October 12, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondent may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the P&S Act and assessed a civil penalty.

The respondent was engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce for the 

purpose of slaughter and is a packer subject to the provisions of the Packers and Stockyards 

Act.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 109

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 98-11

GIPSA Alleges Ryan Sanders Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Ryan Sanders 

(respondent):

• engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce on a commission basis without 

registering or maintaining an adequate bond;

• purchased livestock and failed to pay the full purchase price for the livestock purchased;

• issued checks for partial payment for livestock purchases which were returned by the 

bank because he did not have sufficient funds to cover the checks. The checks, totaling 

$80,631.13, remain unpaid as of the date of this complaint.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondent on October 13, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondent may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil 

penalty.

Ryan Sanders was engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce on a 

commission basis and is not registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 110

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 99-11

GIPSA Alleges Fred J. Berger, Ltd., dba Berger Cattle Company and Fred J. Berger Violated the 

Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Fred J Berger, Ltd., 

doing business as Berger Cattle Company, and Fred J. Berger (respondents), Mandan, N.D., 

failed to pay, when due, the full amount for livestock purchases in 27 transactions totaling 

approximately $3,417,731.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondents on October 13, 2011. If the allegations 

are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondents may be ordered to cease and 

desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil 

penalty.

Fred J. Berger, Ltd., doing business as Berger Cattle Company, under the direction, 

management, and control of Fred J. Berger, is engaged in the business of a livestock dealer 

buying and selling livestock in commerce for its own account, and as a market agency 

buying livestock in commerce on a commission basis, and is registered with the Secretary of 

Agriculture.

Fred J. Berger, as the owner, president and manager of Fred J. Berger, Ltd., formulated, 

directed, and controlled the policies, practices and activities of Fred J. Berger, Ltd. In that 

capacity he was engaged in the business of a livestock dealer buying and selling livestock in 

commerce for his own account, and as a market agency buying livestock in commerce on a 

commission basis.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 111

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 100-11

C. David Emmons Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $5,000

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – On September 27, 2011, the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent 

decision with C. David Emmons (respondent).

The respondent has been ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay, when due, the full 

purchase price for livestock. He was ordered to keep and maintain accounts, records, and 

memoranda which fully disclose the true nature of all transactions involved in his business.

The respondent has been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $5,000.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that 

promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry 

industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 112

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 101-11

GIPSA Alleges Michael V. Bott and Tony Bott Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Michael V. Bott, 

Rupert, Idaho, failed to pay promptly for livestock purchases.

Tony Bott, Rupert, Idaho:

• failed to pay promptly for livestock purchases; and

• failed to maintain adequate records.

The respondents entered into a consent decision on October 30, 2007, and were ordered to 

cease and desist from failing to pay, when due, the full purchase price of livestock.

During the period of March 2008 to October 2009, the respondents, under the name “MB 

Livestock” and their own names, failed to pay, when due the full amount of the purchase 

price for livestock in a timely manner. During this period they also issued 17 checks that were 

returned unpaid by the bank because respondents did not have and maintain sufficient funds 

on deposit.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondents on September 27, 2011. If the allegations 

are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondents may be ordered to cease and 

desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil 

penalty.

The respondents were engaged in the business of a dealer, buying and selling livestock in 

commerce for their own account and engaged in the business of a market agency, buying 

livestock on a commission basis.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 113

Michael V. Bott is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture as a dealer to buy and sell 

livestock in commerce, a market agency buying on commission, and a market agency 

providing clearing services.

Tony Bott is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture as a dealer to buy and sell livestock 

in commerce.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 114

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 102-11

GIPSA Alleges Mike Whitfield, N.B. Hutchinson, Jr. and Pete Pingrey, dba Gowan Stockyards 

Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Mike Whitfield, N.B. 

Hutchinson, Jr., and Pete Pingrey (the respondents), doing business as Gowan Stockyards, 

Kosciusko, Miss., violated the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.

The complaint alleged the respondents, doing business as Gowan Stockyards:

• failed to maintain and properly use their custodial account for shippers’ proceeds;

• had multiple custodial account shortages;

• failed to designate their custodial bank account as “Custodial Account for Shippers’ 

Proceeds” or an equivalent identifying designation on their banking account statements 

and checks to disclose that the depositor was acting as a fiduciary and that the funds in 

the account were trust funds;

• permitted approximately $13,185.29 in bank fees to be charged to their custodial account; 

and

• used custodial account funds to repay loans from respondent N.B. Hutchinson, Jr., in the 

amounts of $8,500 and $9,250, respectively.

GIPSA has received an application for registration to operate the Gowan Stockyards market 

by the partnership of Shirley Dance, Respondents Mike Whitfield, N.B. Hutchinson, Jr., 

and Pete Pingrey. The complaint includes an order to show cause why this application for 

registration should not be denied because of the facts alleged in the pending complaint.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 115

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondents on October 19, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondents may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and/or assessed a civil penalty.

Respondent’s Whitfield, Hutchinson, and Pingrey were engaged in the business of 

conducting and operating Gowan Stockyards; engaged in the business of buying and selling 

livestock in commerce on a commission basis and buying and selling livestock in commerce 

for their own account; and are registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

Shirley Dance is not currently registered with the Secretary of Agriculture, but has an 

application for registration that is pending.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 116

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 103-11

GIPSA Alleges Gary Thompson Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Gary Thompson:

• purchased livestock and failed to pay, within the time period required by the Packers and 

Stockyards (P&S) Act;

• failed to make timely payment for 388 and 868 head of cattle, respectively; and

• failed to keep records that fully and completely disclosed all transaction involved in his 

business as a dealer.

This is in direct violation of a final order from the Secretary of Agriculture, issued on April 

28, 2011, in which Thompson was ordered to cease and from failing to pay for livestock 

purchases in a timely fashion and maintain records of his transactions subject to the P&S Act.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Gary Thompson on October 19, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Gary Thompson may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and/or assessed a civil penalty. \

Gary Thompson was engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce for 

his own account and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 117

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 104-11

GIPSA Alleges Devon Perkins Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Devon Perkins, 

Irene, Texas:

• continued to operate as a market agency without filing an adequate bond or bond 

equivalent after being notified by GIPSA that he was in violation of the Packers and 

Stockyards (P&S) Act; and

• from October 26, 2009 through December 14, 2009, he had 17 transactions involving a 

total of 490 head with a total purchase of approximately $223,196, without maintaining a 

bond.

•

GIPSA filed a complaint against Devon Perkins September 28, 2011. If the allegations are 

admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Devon Perkins may be ordered to cease and desist 

from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Devon Perkins was engaged in the business of a market agency buying livestock in 

commerce on a commission basis and is not registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 118

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 105-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $8,500 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2011 -The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide

a mechanism to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.

GIPSA may offer an alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and

entering into a stipulation agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled cases resulting in $8,500 in civil penalties.

Robert Johnson, CEO, Allan Fallaw, Live Production Manager, Columbia

Farms of Georgia, Inc., Leesville, S.C. -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a

stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of$5,000 after GIPSA found that they

failed to timely pay, when due, contract poultry growers.

Ronald C. Wachholz, Inc., Oshkosh, Wis.-- waived his right to a hearing,

entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1 ,300 after GIPSA

found that he failed to timely pay, when due, for livestock purchases.

Kendall Wilsted, Tehachapi, Calif. -- waived his right to a hearing, entered into

a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of$1,000 after GIPSA found that he

operated with an inadequate financial instrument and inadequate records.

Cooper Farms, Inc., Ft. Recovery, Ohio -- waived their right to a hearing,

entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,250 after GIPSA

found that they failed to comply with contractual requirements.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 119

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 106-11

American Beef Packers, Inc. Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $25,000

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2011- On October 24,2011, the U.S. Department of

Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a

consent decision with American BeefPackers (American Beef), Inc., Chino, Calif.

American Beef has been ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay for

livestock purchases within the time period required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S)

Act.

American Beef has been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of$25,000.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 120

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 107-11

Comanche livestock Exchange, LLC and Michael Dean Cagle Have Been Assessed a Civil 

Penalty In the Amount of $13,000

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2011- On October 21,2011, the U.S. Department of

Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a

consent decision with Comanche Livestock Exchange, LLC (Comanche Livestock), and

Michael Dean Cagle (Cagle), Comanche, Texas

Comanche Livestock and Cagle have been ordered to cease and desist from:

• failing to deposit into their custodial account, within the times prescribed, amounts equal to 

the outstanding proceeds receivable due from the sale of consigned livestock;

• failing to properly maintain their Custodial Account for Shippers’ Proceeds;

• using funds received from the sale of consigned livestock for the payment of bank charges, 

or for any purpose other than payment to consignors of the amount due from the sale of 

their livestock and the payment of lawful marketing charges; and

• engaging in business subject to the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act while

current liabilities exceed current assets.

Comanche Livestock and Cagle have been assessed a civil penalty in the amount

of$13,000.

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.

USDA
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 121

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 109-11

Dennis Chiappetti, Former President and Owner of Den-Franco Corporation, also known as 

Chiappetti Lamb & Veal Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $10,000

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10,2011-On October 31,2011, the U.S. Department of

Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a

consent decision with Dennis Chiappetti (Chiappetti), former President and 100% owner

of Den-Franco Corporation, also known as Chiappetti Lamb & Veal, Mokena, Ill.

Chiappetti has been ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay for livestock

purchases and failing to pay, when due, for livestock purchases within the time period

required by the Packer and Stockyards (P&S) Act.

Chiappetti has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $10,000.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 122

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 108-11

GIPSA Alleges Michael T. Godberson Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10,2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that

Michael T. Godberson (respondent):

• operated as a dealer without being registered or maintaining an adequate bond as 

required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act; and

• purchased livestock and failed to pay the full purchase price for livestock.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondent on October 19, 2011. The

complaint can be found on the GIPSA website: http://www.gipsa.usda.gov/psp/enforcement.

html. If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondent may be 

ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act, suspended, and assessed a civil 

penalty.

The respondent was engaged in the business ofbuying and selling livestock in

commerce on a commission basis and is not registered, as required, as a dealer buying

and selling livestock in commerce on a commission basis with the Secretary of

Agriculture.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 123

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 91-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $8,500 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Nov.10, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled cases resulting in $8,500 in civil penalties.

Robert Herrington, San Mateo , Fla. -- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,000 after GIPSA found that he failed to pay, 

when due, for livestock purchases.

Dane Fine, dba Dane Fine Meat Packing, Springdale Township (Harwick), Pa. --waived 

his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of 

$2,425 after GIPSA found that he failed to timely pay, when due, for livestock purchases.

Richard H. Gresham, Brandon Gresham, dba H&D Cattle Co., Cushing, Texas -- waived 

their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty 

of $4,500 after GIPSA found that he failed to timely pay, when due for livestock purchases, 

issued checks without having sufficient funds to cover checks, and inadequate records.

Anstine Enterprises, Inc., dba Kingsville Livestock Auction, Kingsville, Mo. - - waived their 

right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of 

$3,600 after GIPSA found that they had deceptive trade practices, restriction of competition, 

kept inaccurate and false records.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 124

Terry Wold, dba Terry Wold Livestock, TW Livestock & wee, Butte, Mont. - waived their right 

to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of$1,750 after 

GIPSA found that they had failed to timely pay, when due, for livestock purchases.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 125

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 110-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $17,160 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled cases resulting in $17,160 in civil penalties.

AMVC Management Services, LLC, Audubon, Iowa -- waived their right to a hearing, entered 

into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $4,000 after GIPSA found that 

in their swine production contracts they did not disclose the grower’s right to cancel the 

contract, including the method and dealing for cancellation, and contain an “Addition Capital 

Investments Disclosure Statement.”

Oak Lake Cattle Co., Inc., I.E. Byrd, President, Okeechobee, Fla. -- waived their right to a 

hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $825 after 

GIPSA found that they failed to timely pay, when due, for livestock purchases.

Barney M. Gibson, Statesville, N.C. -- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,585 after GIPSA found that he failed to timely 

pay, when due, for livestock purchases.

Shannon Davis, Winnsboro Livestock Commission, Inc., dba Winnsboro Livestock & Dairy 

Auction, Winnsboro, Texas -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,000 after GIPSA found that they operated as 

a market agency selling livestock on commission with shortages in the market’s Custodial 

Account for Shippers Proceeds on two occasions in April in May of 2110.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 126

Randall Reynolds, dba Geneva-Berne Salebarn, Geneva, Ind. -- waived his right to a 

hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,500 after 

GIPSA found that he charged a per head fee and changed the price per pound when buying 

cattle on a carcass basis.

Holden Farms, Inc., New Ulm, Minn. -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,500 after GIPSA found that they 

failed to comply with contractual requirements.

Randy R. Wientjes, dba Brookport Cattle Co., Metropolis, Ill. -- waived his right to a hearing, 

entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,000 after GIPSA

found that he failed to pay, when due, for livestock purchases on 14 occasions and failed to 

maintain all sales invoices and adequate records to trace livestock from purchase to sale.

Decker’s Livestock, Inc., Milford, Ill. -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $750 after GIPSA found that they used 

unfair and captive tariff practices.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 127

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 112-11

GIPSA Settles Cases Resulting in $20,490 in Civil Penalties

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2011 -The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled cases resulting in $20,490 in civil penalties.

Garret Maxey, Greeley, Colo.-- waived his right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,000 after GIPSA found that he operated 

without a financial instrument.

Iowa Select Farms, L.L.P., Iowa Falls, Iowa -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a 

stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $6,000 after GIPSA found that they 

failed to disclosed that additional capital investments may be required (Section 208); and 

identifying a Federal judicial district other than the one in which the principle part of the 

performance takes place (swine production contract grower’s farm) as the forum for resolving 

disputes under a swine production contract (Section 209).

Beltex Corporation, dba Frontier Meats, Fort Worth, Texas- waived their right to a hearing, 

entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $3,525 after GIPSA

found that they failed to pay, in a timely manner, for livestock purchases.

Leo Overturf, dba Leo Overturf Sheep, Sutton, Neb.- waived his right to a hearing, entered 

into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $3,765 after GIPSA found that 

he failed to issue timely payments and engaged in unfair and deceptive practices.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 128

Ronald Lemons, Lewisburg, W.Va.- waived his right to a hearing, entered into

a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $6,200 after GIPSA found that he

failed to pay, when due, for livestock.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 129

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 111-11

Randy Myers Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $6,500

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25,2011- On September 14,2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision 

with Randy Myers (respondent).

The respondent has been ordered to cease and desist from continuing to buy livestock in 

commerce on a commission basis without registering or maintaining an adequate bond as 

required by the Packer and Stockyards (P&S) Act.

The respondent has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $6,500.

The P&S Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that promotes fair and 

competitive marketing environrtlents for the livestock, meat, and poultry industries.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 130

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 115-11

GIPSA Alleges Bro Pack, Inc. and Andrew Broberg Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Bro Pack, Inc. and 

Andrew Broberg (the respondents), Pico Rivera, Calif.:

• failed to ensure that scales that they used complied with the Packers and Stockyards 

(P&S) Act and regulations;

• failed to use hooks, rollers, gambrels, and other equipment that were uniform in weight.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondents on November 18, 2011. The complaint can 

be found on the GIPSA website: http://wvvw.gipsa.usda.gov/psp/enforcementhtml. 

If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondents may be ordered 

to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act and assessed a civil penalty.

Bro Pack, Inc. was engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce for the purpose 

of slaughter and is a packer.

Andrew Broberg was president ofBro Pack, Inc.; 100% owner ofBro Pack, Inc.; a packer; and 

responsible for the direction, management and control of Bro Pack, Inc.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 131

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 114-11

GIPSA Alleges Sugarcreek Livestock Auction, Inc. and Leroy H. Baker, Jr. Violated the Packers 

and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Sugarcreek 

Livestock Auction, Inc., Sugarcreek, Ohio and Leroy H. Baker (the respondents), East 

Rochester, Ohio:

• failed to maintain and properly use its custodial account for shippers’ proceeds, causing 

shortages in the account;

• failed to deposit in the custodial account, within the time prescribed, an amount equal to 

the proceeds receivable for sales of consigned livestock;

• permitted approximately $7,350 in bank fees to be charged to their custodial account and 

due in part to the respondent’s use of shippers’ funds in the custodial account;

• Sugarcreek Livestock Auction, Inc. was insolvent with (its current liabilities exceeding its 

current assets); and

• failed to keep and maintain records that fully and correctly disclosed all transactions 

involved in the business.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondents on November 18, 2011. The complaint can 

be found on the GIPSA website: http:/!www.gipsa.usda.gov/psp/enf()rcement.html. 

If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondents may be ordered 

to cease and desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended, and 

assessed a civil penalty.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 132

Sugarcreek Livestock Auction, Inc. under the direction, management and control of Leroy H. 

Baker, Jr., was engaged in the business of conducting and operating Sugarcreek Livestock 

Auction, Inc., a posted stockyard subject to the P&S Act; a market agency buying and selling 

livestock on a commission basis in commerce; a dealer buying and selling livestock in 

commerce; and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture.

Leroy H. Baker, Jr., was president of Sugarcreek Livestock Auction, Inc., owner of 80% of 

the stock issued by Sugarcreek Livestock Auction, Inc., and responsible for the direction, 

management and control of Sugarcreek Livestock Auction, Inc.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 133

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 113-11

GIPSA Alleges Mohammad S. Malik and Kiran Enterprises, Inc., dba Trenton Halal Meat Packing 

Co. Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2011- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Mohammad 

S. Malik and Kiran Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Trenton Halal Meat Packing Co. 

(respondents), Trenton, N.J., purchased livestock and failed to pay, within the time period 

required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, the full purchase price for livestock.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondents on November 17, 2011. The complaint can 

be found on the GIPSA website: http://www.gipsa.usda.gov/psp/enforcement.html. If the 

allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondents may be ordered to 

cease and desist from violating the P&S Act and assessed a civil penalty.

The respondents were engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce 

for the purposes of slaughter and manufacturing or preparing meats or meat products for sale 

or shipment in commerce and operated as a packer.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 134

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 116-11

David Ballou Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $6,500

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2011 – On November 18, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision 

with David Ballou (respondent).

The respondent has been ordered to cease and desist from engaging in business in 

any capacity for which bonding is required by the Packer and Stockyards (P&S) Act and 

regulations without filing and maintaining an adequate bond.

The respondent has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $6,500.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 135

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 118-11

GIPSA Alleges Hardee County Livestock Market Corp. and Janice P. Wheeler Violated the 

Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Hardee County 

Livestock Market Corp. (respondent Hardee) and Janice P. Wheeler (respondent Wheeler), 

Wauchula, Fla., forged the signatures of bank employees from The Muncy Bank & Trust 

Company and Wauchula State Bank – on documents provided to GIPSA.

The trust agreement listed The Muncy Bank & Trust Company as the trustee.

The standby letter of credit indicated that the funds were drawn on the Wauchula State Bank.

The Muncy Bank & Trust Company informed GIPSA that the Muncy Bank & Trust had no 

knowledge of a relationship nor had a relationship of any kind with respondent Wheeler. The 

bank further informed GIPSA that the signatures of bank employees on the trust agreement 

and standby letter of credit, respectively, were forged. As a result the bond coverage on file 

to cover respondent Hardee’s market agency activities was invalid. Respondent Wheeler 

admitted the forgeries.

GIPSA’s Eastern Regional Office requested that the Department of Justice institute criminal 

proceedings against respondent Wheeler. On September 28, 2011, a Grand Jury Indictment 

was returned against respondent Wheeler who was indicted in the United States District 

Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, for knowingly and willingly making and using 

false writings and documents containing materially false statement and entries in relation to a 

matter within the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture.

GIPSA also filed an administrative complaint against respondents Hardee and Wheeler on 

November 25, 2011, alleging that they sold livestock in commerce on a commission basis 

without maintaining an adequate bond or bond equivalent. The complaint can be found on 

the GIPSA website: http://www.gipsa.usda.gov/psp/enforcement.html
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 136

If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, respondents Hardee and 

Wheeler may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards 

(P&S) Act, suspended, and assessed a civil penalty.

Respondent Hardee was engaged in the business of a market agency selling livestock in 

commerce on a commission basis and registered with the Secretary of Agriculture as a 

market agency to sell livestock in commerce on a commission basis.

Respondent Wheeler was president; 50% owner; registered agent; general manager and 

responsible for the direction, management, and control respondent Hardee.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 137

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 117-11

GIPSA Alleges North American Bison Cooperative and North Dakota Natural Beef, LLC

Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that North American 

Bison Cooperative and North Dakota Natural Beef, LLC, (the respondents),Fargo, N.D.:

• failed to pay, when due, the full purchase price for livestock; and

• to date, owe approximately $421,132.52 to livestock sellers.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondents on November 4, 2011. The complaint can 

be found on the GIPSA website: http://www.gipsa.usda.gov/psp/enforcement.html. If the 

allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondents may be ordered to 

cease and desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act and assessed a civil 

penalty.

North American Bison Cooperative at all times operated as North Dakota Natural Beef, LLC 

and the respondents possessed common ownership and management. The respondents 

also operated as and are known as Dakota Farms. The respondents engaged in the business 

of buying livestock in commerce for the purposes of slaughter; manufactured or prepared 

meat and meat food products for sale or shipment in commerce; had average annual 

purchases of livestock exceeding $500,000; and operated as packers.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 138

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 120-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $2,000 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled a case resulting in a $2,000 civil penalty.

Silver Creek Pig, Inc., Carthage, Ill -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation 

agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,000 after GIPSA found that they failed to 

comply with the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 2009; Sections 208, 209, and 210 of the 

Packers and Stockyards Act.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 139

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 119-11

Steve (Bubba) Kemp, dba Kemp Cattle Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of 

$90,000

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2011 – On November 25, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) entered into a consent 

decision with Steve (Bubba) Kemp, doing business as Kemp Cattle (respondent), Tolar, 

Texas.

The respondent has been ordered to cease and desist from:

• engaging in business in any capacity for which bonding is required by the Packer and 

Stockyards (P&S) Act and regulations without filing and maintaining an adequate bond;

• engaging in operations subject to the P&S Act and regulations without being registered 

with GIPSA;

• purchasing livestock and failing to pay for livestock purchases within the time period 

required by the P&S Act; and

• issuing checks in payment for livestock without having sufficient funds to cover checks.

The respondent has been ordered to keep accounts, records and memoranda that fully and 

correctly discloses all transaction involved in his business. He has also been assessed a civil 

penalty in the amount of $90,000.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 140

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 122-11

GIPSA Alleges Whispering Oaks Farms, LLC, and Mike D. Esther Violated the Packers and 

Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Whispering Oaks 

Farms, LLC, Mike D. Esther (the respondents), Lebanon, Mo., continued livestock operations 

without filing an adequate bond or bond equivalent after being notified by the Midwestern 

Regional Office that if he resumed operations, he must file a new bond and activate his 

registration.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondents on November 30, 2011. If the allegations 

are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondents may be ordered to cease and 

desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended, and assessed a civil 

penalty.

Whispering Oaks Farms, LLC, was engaged in the business of a market agency buying 

livestock in commerce on a commission basis and is not registered with the Secretary of 

Agriculture as a market agency to buy livestock in commerce on a commission basis.

Mike D. Esther is not currently registered with the Secretary of Agriculture. He was previously 

registered as a dealer buying and selling livestock in commerce and as a market agency 

buying livestock in commerce on a commission basis. He is the sole member, 100% owner, 

and registered agent of Whispering Oaks Farms, LLC. He is responsible for the direction, 

management, and control of Whispering Oaks Farms, LLC.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 141

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 123-11

GIPSA Alleges Murray L. Edwards Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Murray L. Edwards 

(respondent):

• failed to make timely payment for $515,805.10 in livestock purchases from one individual 

seller and twelve auction markets;

• issued 9 checks for $322,241.56 in livestock purchases that were returned unpaid by the 

bank upon which they were drawn; and

• has failed, as of September 21, 2011, to repay approximately $180,000 of the amounts 

listed above.

GIPSA filed a complaint against the respondent on November 30, 2011. If the allegations 

are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, the respondents may be ordered to cease and 

desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended, and assessed a civil 

penalty.

The respondent was engaged in the business of buying and selling livestock in commerce. 

The respondent was registered with the Secretary of Agriculture as a dealer buying and 

selling livestock in commerce.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 142

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 121-11

GIPSA Settles a Case Resulting in a $5,000 Civil Penalty

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism 

to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an 

alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation 

agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled a case resulting in a $5,000 civil penalty.

Dennis Arnzen, Intermountain Livestock, Inc., La Grande, Ore. -- waived their right to a 

hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $5,000 after 

GIPSA found that they operated as a market agency selling livestock on commission with 

shortages in the market’s Custodial Account for Shippers’ Proceeds on two occasions in 

October and December 2010.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 143

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 124-11

Devon Perkins Has Been Assessed a Civil Penalty In the Amount of $7,500

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2011 – On December 9, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration entered into a consent decision 

with Devon Perkins (respondent), Irene, Texas.

The respondent has been ordered to cease and desist from engaging in business in 

any capacity for which bonding is required by the Packer and Stockyards (P&S) Act and 

regulations without becoming properly registered.

He has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $7,500 of which $2,500 will be 

held in abeyance for a period of 3 years. If the respondent is found to have violated the 

provisions of the cease and desist order during a period of 3 years from the effective date of 

this order, the $2,500 will become due and payable.

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.
GIPSA News Release 2011

Page 144

News Release Grain Inspection,

Packers and

Stockyards Administration

STOP 3601

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3601

Web: www.gipsa.usda.gov

Contact: 

Catherine M. Grasso, (202) 720-7201 

Catherine.M.Grasso@usda.gov

Release No.: 125-11

Mike Whitfield, N.B. Hutchinson, Jr. and Pete Pingrey, dba Gowan Stockyards Have Been 

Suspended for Violating The Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2011 – On November 22, 2011, the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) entered into 

a consent decision with Shirley Dance, Mike Whitfield, N.B. Hutchinson, Jr., and Pete Pingrey 

(the respondents), doing business as Gowan Stockyards, Kosciusko, Miss.

The respondents have been ordered to cease and desist from:

• failing to maintain and properly use their custodial account for shippers’ proceeds in strict 

conformity with the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act;

• using funds from the sale of consigned livestock for any purpose other than those 

specifically permitted; and

• failing to properly indicate “Custodial Account for Shippers’ Proceeds” or an equivalent 

identifying designation on their banking account statements and checks.

Respondents Mike Whitfield, N.B. Hutchinson, Jr., and Pete Pingrey, doing business as 

Gowan Stockyards, are suspended as registrants under the P&S Act for a period of 14 

days and until the respondents have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Packers and 

Stockyards Program that the custodial account shortages have been corrected.

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.
United States Department of Agriculture

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration

News Release Archive 2011

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, 

the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are 

prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender 

expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 

program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded 

by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, 

audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 

720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program 

information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found 

online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and 

provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. 

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary 

for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: 

program.intake@usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.