On May 4, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed an administrative complaint against Derek Ford, dba Ford Cattle of Allen, Okla., for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
A USDA investigation revealed that from June 28, 2021, through Oct. 11, 2021, Ford failed to make timely payment for 720 head of livestock totaling $412,700. The P&S Act requires livestock dealers to issue full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. Ford also issued insufficient fund checks for 19 transactions for livestock purchases.
The investigation also determined that in approximately 20 transactions between July 2021 through October 2021, involving 71 head of livestock, Ford purchased cattle for his principal/employer, falsified purchase prices, and took undisclosed profits. The falsified invoices increased livestock purchase prices and resulted in about $8,741 in improper profit.
In addition, in approximately 14 transactions between July 2021 to October 2021, involving 26 head of livestock, Ford purchased his own livestock from consignment on order for his principal/employer without disclosure and retained approximately $2,187 in undisclosed profit.
Source : usda.gov