Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Decision and Order Without Hearing by Reason of Default against Michael “Brent” Wagner of Goldthwaite, Texas, on Feb. 28, 2024, for violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
An investigation by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) revealed that from April through September 2020, Wagner engaged in the business of a market agency, buying livestock on commission without maintaining an adequate bond or bond equivalent. He purchased 581 head of livestock in 21 transactions at posted livestock markets receiving $3,039 in buying commissions.
Under the Default Decision and Order, Wagner was ordered to cease and desist from operating as a livestock market agency without maintaining an adequate bond or bond equivalent. Wagner was also assessed an $6,500 civil penalty to be paid immediately.
Every livestock market agency and dealer must file a registration and execute and maintain a bond applicable to the activity or activities in which the entity engages. Operating without an adequate bond or bond equivalent is a violation of the P&S Act.
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 Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or by email at Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
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