Kansas cattle trader fined and banned for violations

OSWEGO, Kan. – A Kansas cattle trader is fined and banned for life after repeated violations.

According to the Department of Justice District of Kansas, John Rife violated the Packers and Stockyards Act. The Department also states that he not only violated federal law, but breached prior injunctive orders entered by the federal court.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office states, “Rife did not substantively defend allegations filed by the United States of numerous violations of federal law.”

The violations include:

  • operating on a dealer basis of cattle transactions with a suspended registration;
  • operating without an adequate bond;
  • failing to maintain records and make records available to the federal inspectors; and
  • violating the federal court’s prior 2012 and 2017 orders imposing penalties and injunctive relief against Rife for similar conduct

Allegations Against Cattle Farmer

During a hearing on the matter, the United States argued that Rife’s operation as a cattle dealer and market agency without registering, bonding, or maintaining records potentially jeopardizes the financial integrity of the cattle markets. The United States also contended Rife’s failure to comply with federal law impairs the government’s ability to investigate and prevent the spread of disease.

Court Action

The District Court ordered Rife to pay the United States 15% of $1,799,168.50 in new and reinstated penalties, equaling $269,875.27. They will put the rest in abatement in case of future violations.

The District Court further entered a lifetime ban against Rife, barring him from engaging in any further business within the USDA’s jurisdiction for which registration and bonding are required.

Officials in the Case

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Packers and Stockyards Division investigated the case against Rife. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Brookreson and Christopher Allman brought the enforcement action on behalf of the United States.

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