Washington, D.C., May 18, 2026 – On April 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) signed a Consent Decision and Order with Bert E. Smith IV and Rowdy Livestock LLC, of Lewisburg, Tenn., settling an administrative complaint USDA filed on Sept. 25, 2024, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
An USDA investigation revealed between Jan. 7, 2021, and July 29, 2022, Rowdy Livestock, owned and managed by Smith, [SS1.1][AB1.2]failed to pay timely for 1,071 head of livestock totaling $957,009, issued nonsufficient funds checks for livestock purchases totaling $144,230, and operated without registering and bonding, in violation of the P&S Act.
Under the Consent Decision and Order, Rowdy Livestock and Smith were ordered to cease and desist for failing to pay the full purchase price of livestock, failing to pay, when due, the full purchase price of livestock, operating without registering and bonding, and issuing nonsufficient funds checks for livestock. Both Smith and Rowdy Livestock were also ordered to adhere to any payment plans resulting from pending litigation in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Tennessee; if such payment plans are not adhered to, Rowdy Livestock and Smith will be prohibited from operating pursuant to the P&S Act until any remaining livestock debt is paid or for a period of three years, whichever comes first.
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.
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