WASHINGTON, D.C., June 15, 2026 – On April 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint against David DeGroot d/b/a DeGroot Livestock of Waldron, Ark., for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed between October 2023 and September 2024, DeGroot failed to pay for $247,497 for 1,701 head of livestock from two sellers, in violation of the P&S Act. The P&S Act requires regulated entities to issue full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following the purchase and transfer of possession. As of the date of the complaint, $129,901.06 remained unpaid.
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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