Washington, D.C., July 23, 2026 – On May 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Decision and Order Without Hearing by Reason of Default against Bennett Cattle Company LLC (Bennett) and Brent E. Bennett of Hartford, Ala., for violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed between May 2020 and November 2020, Bennett failed to pay timely for 2,158 head of livestock for a total amount of $1,405,772, failed to pay the full purchase price for livestock and issued non-sufficient funds checks for livestock purchases, in violation of the P&S Act. Bennett still owes a balance of $383,965.
Under the Default Decision and Order, Bennett was ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay, when due, the full purchase price of livestock and issuing nonsufficient funds checks. Bennett’s registration is also suspended for a period of five years.
The Secretary of Agriculture has authority to take action against violators, including issuing cease and desist orders, suspending registrations, and imposing other remedies authorized by the P&S Act.
For more information, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
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