§207 Schedule of Rates

Summary

Stockyard owners and market agencies must file and post at the yard a printed schedule of all rates, charges, rules, and services within 60 days after the Secretary posts a notice that the yard is covered. New agencies that start after that 60 days must file before they begin business. The schedules must show details the Secretary requires, and the Secretary can set the form and change those rules. Any change to rates or rules needs 10 days’ notice to the Secretary and the public, unless the Secretary allows less time for good cause. The Secretary can reject any schedule that does not show an effective date. If a new rate or rule is filed, the Secretary can hold a hearing and temporarily suspend the change for up to 30 days, and can extend the suspension for another 30 days; if no decision is reached by then, the change takes effect. After the first 60 days no one may run a stockyard business unless the schedules are filed and posted. People must charge only the posted rates and cannot refund or alter them (except a producer cooperative may return earnings to members on a patronage basis under rules). Failing to follow these rules can bring a civil penalty up to $500 per offense and up to $25 per day, and willful violations can bring a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to one year, or both.