Washington, D.C., Oct. 16, 2026 – On April 9, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Decision and Order Without Hearing by Reason of Default against Heartland Exotic Bird and Animal Auction LLC (Heartland) and Justin Hamilton (Hamilton) of Hayes Center, Neb. for violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed that in October 2023, Heartland and its owner, Hamilton, violated the P&S Act by 1) failing to remit proceeds from the sale of livestock when due by issuing, to two livestock consignors, checks that were returned unpaid due to insufficient funds; and 2) failing to maintain a separate, designated custodial account for handling proceeds of livestock sales. As of the date of the complaint, Heartland owed $4,577.
Under the Default Decision and Order, Heartland and Hamilton were ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay sellers, when due, for every livestock transaction and sale, and issuing checks for livestock sales without sufficient funds in its custodial bank account. Heartland and Hamilton’s registration to operate as a market agency was suspended for five years or until livestock sellers are paid in full.
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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