Washington, D.C, May 18, 2026 – On March 19, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reached a Consent Decision with Cash Hurst of Illinois, settling an administrative complaint USDA filed on Aug. 4, 2025, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyard (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed Hurst failed to pay timely for 559 head of livestock valued at $76,134 from November 2022 through January 2023, operating without being properly registered and bonded, and issuing nonsufficient funds checks for livestock purchases, in violation of the P&S Act. Reportedly, $9,477 was still owed at the time the complaint was filed.
Under the Consent Decision and Order, Hurst was ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay, when due, the full purchase price of livestock, operating subject to the P&S Act without being registered and bonded, and issuing checks without sufficient funds in its bank account. Hurst is also suspended from operating subject to the P&S Act for two years beginning on March 19, 2026.
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 information, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
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