WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2012- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration's (GIPSA) enforcement rules provide a mechanism to quickly resolve violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. GIPSA may offer an alleged violator the option of waiving their right to a hearing and entering into a stipulation agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

GIPSA settled a case resulting in a $500 civil penalty.

JEM Livestock, Inc., and Lance Fischbach, Morris, Minn. -- waived their right to a hearing, entered into a stipulation agreement, and agreed to pay a penalty of $500 after GIPSA found that they used inaccurate weights.

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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