Information for Livestock Producers and Firms

Packers and Stockyards Program

The Packers and Stockyards Program (P&SP) ensures open and competitive markets for livestock, meat, and poultry. P&SP is a regulatory program whose roots are in providing financial protection, and ensuring fair and competitive markets.

Packers and Stockyards Act

In the words of the Congress, the purpose of the P&S Act is "to assure fair competition and fair trade practices, to safeguard farmers and ranchers...to protect consumers...and to protect members of the livestock, meat, and poultry industries from unfair, deceptive, unjustly discriminatory and monopolistic practices..."

Resources:

• Custodial Accounts (PDF; 222Kb)
• Prompt Payment for Livestock Purchases (PDF; 192Kb)
• Livestock Sellers Rights Under P&S Trust Provisions (PDF; 217Kb)
• Responsibilities Under the Act: Market Agency Buying on Commission, Dealer, and Clearing Agency
• Responsibilities Under the Act: Market Agency Selling on Commission and Stockyard Owner
• Responsibilities Under the Act: Packer
• Responsibilities Under the Act: Swine Contractor
• Responsibility for Accurate Scales and Livestock Weights(PDF; 248Kb)
• Swine Contract Library
• Understanding Reparation Proceedings (PDF; 237Kb)

Livestock and Poultry Growing Contracts

For assistance with complaints or questions about the Packers and Stockyards Act, contact the Packers and Stockyards Program Regional Office that serves your state.