Washington, D.C., Oct. 16, 2026 – On April 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) signed a Consent Decision and Order with Two Brother Farms LLC (Two Brothers Farms) and Joel Wingard (Wingard) of Middlebury, Ind., settling an administrative complaint USDA filed on March 21, 2025, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed Wingard operating as Two Brother Farms, failed to pay timely for livestock, valued at $106,385 in December 2022. Approximately $76,004 for livestock purchases remains unpaid. In addition, Wingard failed to keep and maintain all purchase and sale invoices, checks, bank statements, dealer receipts, and other records necessary to document business operations under the P&S Act and regulations.
Under the Consent Decision and Order, Two Brother Farms and Wingard were ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay, and failing to pay, when due, the full purchase price of livestock, and failing to keep and maintain adequate records.
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 PSDWashingtonDC@usda.gov.
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