WASHINGTON, July 18, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a stipulation agreement with LeRoy J. Miller dba Hope Stock Farm of Millersburg, Ohio, on May 25, 2025, resolving an alleged violation of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. Under this agreement, Miller waived his right to a hearing and agreed to pay a civil penalty of $900.
A USDA investigation revealed that between June 27, 2023, and Aug. 26, 2024, Miller failed to pay for 12 livestock purchases totaling $60,608, in violation of the P&S Act, which requires subject entities to issue the full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession.
The Secretary of Agriculture has authority under the P&S Act to act 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 at Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
###
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.