The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued an administrative complaint against a Blair, Nebraska cattle buyer who allegedly failed to pay for the 84 head of livestock he purchased and is in violation of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
The alleged violations that led to the complaint against Bruce D. Camenzind, dba Clarence E. Camenzind Funnel Trust; BK Farms; Dixon Ranch were revealed in an AMS investigation that found Camenzind failed to pay $25,853 for 64 head of livestock purchased in seven transactions from June 5 to July 31, 2017. Camenzind also failed to pay, when due, the full price for livestock purchases in 20 transactions from April 21 to July 26, 2017. Payment for all livestock is due before the close of the business day following the purchase and transfer of possession of the livestock. Failure to pay when due is a violation of Sections 312 and 409(a) of the P&S Act.
The investigation also found Camenzind issued four insufficient funds checks to livestock sellers totaling $55,487. Dealers must maintain sufficient funds on deposit and available in the account upon which checks are drawn to support payment when presented. Any delay in the market’s normal period for collecting payment caused by the dealer is an unfair, unjust, discriminatory or deceptive practice and is a violation of Section 312(a) of the P&S Act.
In a previous order issued June 25, 2012, Camenzind was assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $30,000.00, of which $25,000.00 was held in abeyance for a period of 18 months for: 1) failing to pay and failing to pay when due, the full purchase price of livestock within the time period required by the P&S Act; and 2) failing to have and maintain sufficient funds on deposit and available in the account upon which checks were drawn when presented.
The P&S Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry industries.
