Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Decision and Order Without Hearing by Reason of Default against Dwaine A. Miller (Miller) of Millersburg, Ohio, on Aug. 31, 2021, for violation of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
An investigation by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) revealed that from June through July 2019, Miller failed to pay, when due, the full purchase price of livestock in 34 transactions totaling $349,658. Payments ranged from 5 to 14 days after payment was due.
Under the Default Decision and Order, Miller is ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay the full amount of the purchase price for livestock within the required time period and assessed a $15,750 civil penalty.
The P&S Act requires subject entities to issue the full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. Failure to timely pay for livestock purchases and failure to issue the full payment for purchases is an unfair trade practice and 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 Kraig Roesch, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (303) 375-4291, or by email at krag.roesch@usda.gov
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