WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2012- On November 23,2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a default decision against Jeff Hayes (Hayes). Hayes has been ordered to cease and desist from:

• operating subject to .the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act without registration; and
• failing to pay, when due, the full purchase price for livestock purchases.

Hayes has also been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of$12,000.

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.

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