The US Department of Agriculture entered into a stipulation agreement with Glen A. Burkholder, of Baltic, Ohio, on May 12, 2025, which resolved alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act. Under this agreement, Burkholder waived his right to a hearing and agreed to pay a civil penalty of $1,750.

A USDA Agricultural Marketing Service investigation revealed that between Oct. 2024 and Jan. 2025, Burkholder failed to timely pay for 11 livestock transactions involving 378 head totaling $216,338. Payments were issued between nine to 58 days late. In addition, Burkholder issued non-sufficient funds checks for livestock purchases, which were subsequently paid in full.

The P&S Act requires livestock dealers to issue the full payment due for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. Failure to issue payment timely for livestock purchases is a violation of the P&S Act and regulations.

The secretary of agriculture has authority under the P&S Act to act against violators, including issuing orders to cease and desist, suspending registrations, and applying other appropriate remedies as authorized by the act. 

The USDA may also offer alleged violators the option to waive their right to a hearing and enter into a stipulation agreement to resolve the suspected violations quickly.

Source: USDA AMS