GIPSA files complaint in Oklahoma; issues fine in South Dakota

Both situations revolve around the Packers and Stockyards Act

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) handed out a fine in South Dakota and filed a complaint against another party in Oklahoma.

One party was found in violation, and the other is alleged to be violating the Packers and Stockyards Act. The Act is a trade practice promoting fairness, payment protection, and competitive marketing environments for meat, poultry, and livestock industries and the professionals who work within them.

GIPSA filed a complaint in late 2014 against Robert Snow, who does business as Snow Cattle Co., out of Garvin, Oklahoma. It’s alleged he violated parts of the Packers and Stockyards Act including failing to pay full price for livestock, failed to keep records of all the business-related transactions, and issued checks that when returned, went unpaid.

According to the 2014 complaint, Snow’s history shows he paid a civil penalty of $1,750 after failing to pay for livestock in at least 14 transactions

The other party is from Dakota Dunes, South Dakota.

Tyson Hog Markets, Inc., conducting business as Heinhold Hog Markets, is paying a $15,000 civil fine for violating the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Among other wrongdoings, it’s found they were lying about how much livestock weighed when selling it. In addition to their penalty, they will have to compensate to the buyers and sellers they mislead.