Washington, D.C., July 27, 2026 – On June 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint against Central Tennessee Livestock LLC and Bert Smith IV of Lewisburg, Tenn., for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed between March 24, 2025, and April 12, 2025, Central Tennessee Livestock and Smith operated as a livestock dealer without being properly registered and bonded, purchased livestock in five transactions in the amount of $631,824 and failed to pay the full purchase price for that livestock, in violation of the P&S Act. The P&S Act requires regulated entities to be registered and bonded and to issue full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following the purchase and transfer of possession. As of the date of the complaint, the full amount remained unpaid.
In addition, on March 31, 2025, Central Tennessee Livestock and Smith failed to pay timely for 23 head of livestock purchased from a seller in the amount of $40,413. Payment was issued 146 days late, in violation of the P&S Act.
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.
For more information, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
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