USDA Issues a Packers and Stockyards Complaint against
Heartland Exotic Bird and Animal Auction LLC and Justin Hamilton
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint against Heartland Exotic Bird and Animal Auction LLC (Heartland), and Justin Hamilton of Hayes Center, Neb., on April 25, 2025, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA Agricultural Marketing Service investigation revealed that, in Oct. 2023, Heartland violated the P&S Act by 1) failing to remit proceeds from the sale of livestock when due by issuing, to two livestock consignors, checks that were returned unpaid due to insufficient funds; and 2) failing to maintain a separate, designated custodial account for handling proceeds of livestock sales. As of the date of the complaint, Heartland owed $4,577 to both consignors.
Market agencies selling livestock on commission must maintain a separate bank account for custodial funds named a “Custodial Account for Shippers’ Proceeds.” The commission firm or auction market acts as a fiduciary depositor to the account, and the funds in the account are trust funds for the benefit of livestock sellers or consignors.
The Secretary of Agriculture has authority under the P&S Act to act against violators, including issuing cease and desist orders, suspending registrations, and applying other appropriate remedies as authorized by the Act.
For information about the P&S Act, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
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