USDA Issues a Decision and Order without Hearing Against Antonio Chavez

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2021 –  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Decision and Order Without Hearing against Antonio Chavez (Chavez) of El Paso, Texas, on Sept. 29, 2021, for violation of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.

An investigation by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) revealed that from October 2019 through January 2020, Chavez failed to pay and failed to pay, when due, the full purchase price of livestock in 91 transactions, including 17 transactions where he still owes $579,232 to livestock sellers.

Under the decision, Chavez is ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay and failing to timely pay the full price of livestock. Additionally, Chavez’s registration to operate as a livestock dealer is suspended for five years. During this suspension, Chavez is prohibited from operating in any capacity for which registration and bond is required under the Packers and Stockyards Act. The suspension may be reduced if Chavez submits to AMS proof of payment of all outstanding amounts owed to livestock sellers.

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 Kraig Roesch, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (303) 375-4291, or by email at kraig.roesch@usda.gov.

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