Washington, D.C., August 26, 2026 – On May 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint against Low County Livestock Exchange LLC and Donald G. Poplin of Darlington, S.C., for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed on Sept. 22, 2022, and Oct. 17, 2022, Low County Livestock Exchange LLC and Donald Poplin had custodial account shortages of $182,286 and $69,131 respectively, due in part to failure to reimburse the custodial account for uncollected receivables by the close of the seventh day following a livestock sale and custodial account misuse.
In addition, between March 17, 2022, and October 11, 2022, Low County Livestock Exchange LLC and Donald Poplin misused the custodial account by permitting $7,087 in bank fees and overdraft fees to be withdrawn from the custodial account.
A custodial account is a trust account required for handling proceeds from the sale of livestock. The market agency maintains this account to benefit livestock sellers. Failing to reimburse the custodial account on time and custodial misuse are violations of the P&S Act and its regulations.
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 more information, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
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