Packers and Stockyards Act

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a U.S. law established in 1921 to regulate the meatpacking and livestock industries. Its main goals are to ensure fair competition, protect farmers and livestock producers from unfair practices, and promote transparent market transactions. The Act prohibits deceptive practices, price manipulation, and monopolistic behaviors, helping to maintain a stable and equitable marketplace for both producers and consumers. It is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote fairness in buying, selling, and transporting livestock and meat products, ultimately benefiting the agricultural economy and consumers.