Washington, D.C., August 25, 2026 – On June 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a stipulation agreement with Loy Brothers Cattle Inc dba Lake Cumberland Livestock Market of Somerset, Ky. resolving an alleged violation of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. Under this agreement, Loy Brothers Cattle Inc dba Lake Cumberland Livestock Market waived its right to a hearing and agreed to pay a civil penalty of $6,825.
A USDA investigation revealed between May 2025 and July 2025, Loy Brothers Cattle Inc dba Lake Cumberland Livestock Market violated the Act and regulations by failing to sell livestock consigned at the highest available bid during the sale. A total of 215 transactions involving 952 head, valued at $1,715,714, were sold after the sale was completed and without supporting scale tickets.
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. USDA may also give alleged violators the option to waive their right to a hearing and enter into a stipulation agreement, allowing the matter to be resolved more quickly.
For more information, 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.