Washington, D.C., July 25, 2026 – On May 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint against Producers Livestock Commission Inc. and Milton Ward of Oklahoma City, Okla., for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed Producers Livestock Commission and Ward had custodial account shortages of $138,699 on Dec. 29, 2023, and $14,107 on Feb. 29, 2024, due in part to custodial account misuse. In addition, from Nov. 29, 2024, to July 21, 2025, Producers Livestock Commission and Ward misused their custodial account by transferring or withdrawing funds in the approximate amount of $631,395 in 30 instances for purposes other than those authorized under the P&S Act.
Producers Livestock Commission, and Ward also issued 13 nonsufficient funds checks totaling $704,559, thereby failing to remit net proceeds to consignors, when due, for livestock sold, 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.
###
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.