WASHINGTON, June 23, 2008 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) entered into a consent decision with Cornbelt Beef Corporation (Cornbelt Beef), Detroit, Michigan, on May 23, 2008.

Cornbelt Beef has been ordered to cease and desist from engaging in business in any capacity for which a bond is required under the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act without filing and maintaining an adequate bond and has been assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $5,750.

The decision resolves charges that were filed on February 8, 2008, in which GIPSA alleged that Cornbelt Beef failed to maintain an adequate bond as required by the P&S Act.

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.

Catherine M. Grasso 202-720-7201