Release No.: 146-19
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2019 – As part of its commitment to ensuring fair and competitive markets for the livestock, meat and poultry industries, on Oct. 2, 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reached a consent decision with Jonathan Allen Sivertson Jr., doing business as Sivertson Farms (Sivertson), of Souris, N.D., for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
An investigation by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) resulted in the issuance of an administrative complaint on June 12, 2019, against Sivertson for engaging in the business of a dealer and market agency buying and selling livestock on commission and failing to pay the full amount of the purchase price of livestock, and issuing insufficient funds checks.
Under the consent decision, Sivertson agreed to a suspension of five years. At any time after the initial 30 days of the suspension period, upon application to AMS, a supplemental order may be issued lifting the suspension and permitting Sivertson to operate subject to the P&S Act, provided Sivertson demonstrates to AMS the unpaid livestock sellers are paid in full.
In addition, Sivertson and all those connected to the business shall cease and desist from: (1)
issuing checks for livestock purchases without having and maintaining sufficient funds on deposit; (2) failing to pay the full amount of the purchase price of livestock before the close of the next business day following each purchase of livestock; and (3) failing to pay the full purchase price 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.
For further information about the P&S Act, contact Stuart Frank, Director, Packers and Stockyards Division, Fair Trade Practices Program at (515) 323-2586, or by email at Stuart.Frank@usda.gov.
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