WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a stipulation agreement with Matt Mast dba Mast Livestock of Belvidere, Tenn., on June 10, 2025, which resolved an alleged violation of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. Under this agreement, Mast waived his right to a hearing and agreed to pay a civil penalty of $4,000.
A USDA Agricultural Marketing Service investigation revealed that between April 2024 and August 2024, Mast failed to pay timely for 33 livestock transactions involving 1,303 head totaling $2,225,887. Payments were issued between four and 22 days late. 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 take action against violators, including issuing orders to cease and desist, suspending registrations, and applying other appropriate remedies as authorized by the Act. USDA may also offer alleged violators the option to waive their right to a hearing and enter into a stipulation agreement to resolve the suspected violations quickly.
For information about the P&S Act, 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.