The USDA entered into a stipulation agreement with Dennis Kolb Dairy Sales of Pennsylvania on February 13 for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act.
Under the agreement terms, Dennis Kolb Dairy Sales waived the right to a hearing and paid a civil penalty of $12,600. An investigation by the Agricultural Marketing Service revealed between March 2023 and July 2023, the company failed to pay timely on 18 livestock purchases totaling over $96,300. Payments were up to 40 days late. The P&S Act requires subject entities to issue the full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following the purchase and transfer of possession.
Failure to pay for livestock purchases in a timely manner is a violation of the P&S Act. The Act authorizes the Ag Secretary to assess civil penalties of up to $33,896 per violation against anyone after notice and a hearing opportunity.
