The Packers and Stockyards Act ("Act") was implemented to ensure fair trade and competition in the livestock, meat, and poultry industries by mandating prompt payment and prohibiting retaliatory or deceptive trade practices. This page provides information to producers on their rights and protections under the Act.
Livestock Marketing
As a producer you will likely work with livestock dealers, meat packers, and/or market agencies selling on commission (i.e. stockyards or livestock auctions) when marketing your livestock. Below you will find a list of registered marketing agencies and dealers as well as a list of suspended entities and those with enforcement actions taken against them. Please use this information as a guide when conducting business with these entities.
- List of Registered and Bonded Agencies Selling Livestock on Commission
- List of Registered and Bonded Livestock Dealers
- List of Registered and Bonded Packers
- List of Suspended Entities
- Enforcement Actions
Your Rights to Prompt Payment
Under the P&S Act, a buyer (packer, marketing agency, or dealer) must deliver full payment to the seller, by the payment due date. In accordance to the Act, the payment due date for livestock purchased on a live basis is the next business day, following the purchase and transfer of possession of the livestock. For livestock purchased on a carcass, or "yield and grade" basis, the due date is before the close of business following the determination of the purchase price. For more information see the Prompt Payment Fact Sheet (pdf).
If Payment is NOT Received in Full by Due Date
Failure of a buyer to pay in full by the established due date is a violation of the Act. If this occurs you should contact your regional P&S office as soon as possible to notify them of the violation. It is recommended that you have details of the sale agreement and any supporting documentation. Timely notification is required if you plan to make a claim against a packer, poultry dealer, or livestock dealer's trust and/or bond. For more information on these options please follow these links below or contact your regional P&S office.
Reporting Violation
If you suspect a violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act please report it immediately to the Packers and Stockyards Division. Violations include deceptive trade practices, late payment for livestock, insufficient payment for livestock, and non-payment for livestock. Timely reporting of violations is critical to protecting livestock sellers and preventing additional harm to market participants.
Regulated Entities & Frequently Asked Questions
For more information on regulated entities under the Packers and Stockyards Act, please visit the Regulated Entities page. Below are links to frequently asked questions.