WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2026 – On June 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a Consent Decision and Order with Kolb’s Dairy Sales LLC and Matthew Kolb (Kolb), settling an administrative complaint filed by USDA on October 22, 2024, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
The P&S Act requires livestock dealers to issue the full payment due for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. Failure to issue timely payment for livestock purchases is a violation of the P&S Act and regulations.
On May 14, 2025, Kolb filed a civil suit against the unpaid livestock market in the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Court of Common Pleas, for financial losses, alleging the livestock purchased were diseased and unfit to be resold. In the Consent Decision and Order pertaining to the USDA complaint, Kolb and USDA agreed that if the State Court rules that Kolb owes money to the livestock market, then Kolb and the business operation will be ordered to cease and desist from failing to pay, when due, the full purchase price of livestock and issuing insufficient funds checks to livestock sellers. In addition, Kolb will have to pay a $4,000 civil penalty, and Respondents’ registration to operate as a livestock dealer will be suspended until the debt is paid. If the State Court, however, rules in Kolb’s favor, then the charges in the USDA administrative complaint will be voluntarily dismissed.
The Secretary of Agriculture has authority to take action against violators, including issuing orders to cease and desist, suspending registrations, and applying other appropriate remedies as authorized by the P&S Act.
For information about the P&S Act, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
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