The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued an administrative complaint against Bruce Camenzind (Camenzind), doing business as Clarence E. Camenzind Funnel Trust, BK Farms, and Dixon Ranch in Blair, Neb., on Jan. 25, 2022, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
An investigation by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) revealed that from June through October 2019, Camenzind operated as a livestock dealer, purchasing 178 head of livestock valued at $133,947 and selling 218 head of livestock valued at $125,313 without maintaining bond coverage.
In addition, the investigation revealed that in four of these transactions, Camenzind issued checks for $36,751 that were returned unpaid or denied by the bank because Respondent failed to maintain sufficient funds when presented.
The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties up to $29,270 per violation against any person after notice and opportunity for hearing on the record. If the allegations are admitted or proven in an oral hearing, Saavedra may be ordered to cease and desist from continuing violations of the P&S Act and assessed a civil penalty.
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.
For further information about the Packers and Stockyards Act, contact Kraig Roesch, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (303) 375-4291, or by email at Kraig.Roesch@usda.gov.
