Washington, D.C., July 23, 2026 – On May 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint against Josh Mueller d/b/a Circle M Cattle Co. of Halstead, Kan. for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed between July 2021 and January 2022, Mueller purchased approximately 893 head of livestock from five sellers in the amount of $975,113 and failed to pay timely for that livestock, 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. Mueller’s payments for these purchases were issued between one and nine days late.
In addition, between July 2021 and September 2021, Mueller issued three nonsufficient funds checks to two different sellers for livestock purchases in the amount of $797,099, in violation of the P&S Act.
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.
###
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.