Washington, D.C., May 13, 2026 – On April 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint against Sage Livestock, LLC and Donald K. Garrett of Gambier, Ohio, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA Agricultural Marketing Service investigation revealed that from November 2023 through March 2024, Sage Livestock and Donald Garrett failed to pay timely for livestock in the amount of $907,994. As of the date of the complaint, $827,304 remains unpaid.
The P&S Act requires livestock packers to issue full payment due for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. Failure to do so is a violation of the P&S Act and regulations.
The Secretary of Agriculture has authority to take action against violators, including issuing orders to cease and desist, suspending registrations, and applying other appropriate remedies as authorized by the P&S Act.
For information about the P&S Act, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
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