Washington, D.C., May 18, 2026 – On April 9, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a stipulation agreement with Rotz Livestock LLC of Shippensburg, Pa., resolving an alleged violation of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. Under this agreement, Rotz Livestock waived its right to a hearing and agreed to pay a civil penalty of $3,800.
A USDA investigation revealed that between Dec. 16, 2024, and Feb. 28, 2025, Rotz failed to pay timely for 27 transactions at three livestock markets totaling $231,377. Payments were issued between three and 46 days late, in violation of the P&S Act and regulations. The P&S Act requires regulated entities to issue full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession.
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. USDA may also give alleged violators the option to waive their right to a hearing and enter into a stipulation agreement, allowing the matter to be resolved more quickly.
For more information, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
