Washington, D.C., August 26, 2026 – On May 4, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed an administrative complaint against Derek Ford, dba Ford Cattle of Allen, Okla., for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed that from June 28, 2021, through Oct. 11, 2021, Ford failed to make timely payment for 720 head of livestock totaling $412,700. The P&S Act requires livestock dealers to issue full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. Ford also issued insufficient fund checks for 19 transactions for livestock purchases.
The investigation also determined that in approximately 20 transactions between July 2021 through October 2021, involving 71 head of livestock, Ford purchased cattle for his principal/employer, falsified purchase prices, and took undisclosed profits. The falsified invoices increased livestock purchase prices and resulted in about $8,741 in improper profit.
In addition, in approximately 14 transactions between July 2021 to October 2021, involving 26 head of livestock, Ford purchased his own livestock from consignment on order for his principal/employer without disclosure and retained approximately $2,187 in undisclosed profit.
The P&S Act requires livestock dealers to issue full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. It also prohibits falsifying invoices or buying back livestock from consignment to fill orders for principals/employers.
The Secretary of Agriculture has authority to take action against violators, including issuing cease and desist orders, suspending registrations, and imposing other remedies as 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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