Washington, D.C., May 18, 2026 – On March 19, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint against Matthew L. Hulsebus of Donnellson, Iowa, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed between May 2022 and July 2023, Hulsebus failed to pay timely for 7,831 head of livestock with $642,707 remaining unpaid as of the complaint filing date, and between March 6, 2023, and June 17, 2023, Hulsebus issued eight nonsufficient funds checks for livestock purchases, in violation of the P&S Act. The investigation also revealed between May 3, 2023, and July 24, 2024, Hulsebus purchased 477 head of livestock for a total purchase price of $69,199 without being properly registered and bonded as a livestock dealer or market agency buying on commission, also in violation of the P&S Act.
The P&S Act requires regulated entities to issue full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following the purchase and transfer of possession. Livestock market agencies and dealers must maintain a bond as payment protection for livestock sellers. The size of the bond is based on business volume and is generally an average of two days’ business, with a minimum of $10,000.
The Secretary of Agriculture has authority to take action against violators, including issuing cease and desist orders, suspending registrations, and applying 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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