Release No.: 136-18
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2018 – On Sept. 17, 2018, Dennis Wendt, doing business as Rich Hill Horse & Tack Auction waived its right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and paid a penalty of $750 for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) investigation of Rich Hill Horse & Tack Auction revealed the market agency failed to provide prompt accounting and transmittal of net proceeds to livestock consignors before the close of the next business day following the sale of any livestock. These types of practices are violations of the P&S Act and its regulations.
The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties of not more than $28,061 per count against any person who violates the law after notice and opportunity for hearing on the record.
USDA enforcement rules provide a mechanism to quickly resolve violations of the P&S Act. USDA may offer alleged violators the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.
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.
For further information about the Packers and Stockyards Act, contact Stuart Frank, Fair Trade Practices Program, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (515) 323-2586, or by email at stuart.frank@usda.gov.
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