WASHINGTON, May 06, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a complaint against Jerry Stokes of Garrison, Texas on March 14, 2025, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA Agricultural Marketing Service investigation revealed Stokes failed to pay timely for 2,310 head of livestock, valued at $1,319,885 from Nov. 2021 through April 2022. In addition, during the same time frame, Stokes issued nonsufficient funds checks for livestock purchases which were subsequently paid in full.
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. Failure to issue payment timely for livestock purchases is a violation of the P&S Act and regulations.
The Secretary of Agriculture has authority under the P&S Act to act against violators, including issuing orders to cease and desist, 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 at Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
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