Washington, D.C., Oct. 16, 2026 – On Aug. 31, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) signed a Consent Decision and Order with SMBL Cattle Company LLC (SMBL Cattle) d/b/a J&J Livestock of Texarkana, Texas, settling an administrative complaint USDA filed on May 29, 2026, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed SMBL Cattle had custodial account shortages of $66,380 on July 11, 2023, and $115,118 on Aug. 22, 2023, due in part to failing to reimburse the uncollected receivables by the close of the seventh day following a livestock sale, as required by the P&S Act and regulations.
Under the Consent Decision and Order, SMBL Cattle was ordered to cease and desist from failing to properly maintain and use its custodial account in accordance with the P&S Act and regulations. SMBL Cattle also agreed to pay an $8,000 civil penalty.
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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