Washington, D.C., July 23, 2026 – On May 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint against Conner Salkeld dba Salkeld Farms and Salkeld Farms and Auctions (Salkeld) of Fort Wayne, Ind. for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed between Dec. 13, 2024, and Dec. 20, 2024, Salkeld failed to pay $48,500 for livestock purchases and issued nine insufficient fund checks, 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, $22,680 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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