WASHINGTON, August 13, 2009 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Carthage Livestock, Inc. (Carthage), Carthage, Illinois, operated while insolvent and its current liabilities exceed its current assets.

GIPSA filed a complaint against Carthage on July 29, 2009. If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Carthage may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil penalty.

Carthage is engaged in the business of a market agency selling livestock in commerce on a commission basis and is registered with the Secretary of Agriculture as a market agency selling livestock on commission and as a dealer buying and selling livestock.

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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GIPSA Release 54-09

Catherine M. Grasso 202-720-7201