USDA denies appeal filed by Bruce Camenzind for violating the Packers and Stockyards Act
The P&S Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry industries.
On Oct. 5, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Judicial Officer, John Walk (JO), issued a decision and order denying Bruce Camenzind’s, Blair, Neb. (Camenzind) appeal to a Decision and Order issued by the Chief Administrative Law Judge, Channing Smothers (CALJ).
The order affirmed the CALJ June 2, 2022, Decision and Order. Camenzind, doing business as Clarence E. Camenzind Funnel Trust, BK Farms, and Dixon Ranch, his agents and employees, directly or indirectly or through corporate or other device, shall cease and desist from operating as a livestock dealer without possessing adequate bond coverage, without paying timely for every livestock purchase, and from issuing checks without sufficient funds to cover those checks. Camenzind was assessed a civil penalty of $24,450, and his livestock dealer registration was suspended for 90 days.