USDA Issues a Packers and Stockyards Complaint against Ganaderos Unidos Mexicanos LLC

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a complaint against Ganaderos Unidos Mexicanos LLC., El Paso, Texas, on June 28, 2024, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyard (P&S) Act.<_o3a_p>

An investigation by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) revealed that between Nov. 3, 2021, and April 6, 2022, Ganaderos engaged in the business of a livestock dealer, buying $1,348,223 of livestock in 25 separate transactions without maintaining an adequate bond or bond equivalent.<_o3a_p>

Livestock dealers must have a reasonable bond that applies to their business activities to ensure that they fulfill their financial obligations. Any dealer required to have bond coverage must not conduct operations unless a bond or bond equivalent is on file that complies with regulations. Operating without a proper bond or bond equivalent is considered an unfair trade practice and a violation of the P&S Act.<_o3a_p>

The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate actions to seek various sanctions, including orders to cease and desist from continuing violations, suspensions of registrations where applicable, and other remedies as authorized and appropriate under the Act.<_o3a_p>

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.<_o3a_p>

For further information about the Packers and Stockyards Act, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or by email at [email protected].

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