Who is required to obtain a Livestock Packers and Stockyards Surety Bond?
Anyone engaged in the business of marketing livestock, meat and poultry for commercial purposes is subject to the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 and are required to obtain a Livestock Bond. Regulated entities include stockyard owners, market agencies, dealers, packers, swine contractors and live poultry dealers. Per the Act, market agencies, dealers and packers with annual livestock purchases of over $500,000 must register with the United States Department of Agriculture – Grain Inspection, Packer and Stockyards Administration (PSA) and submit and maintain a livestock dealer surety bond before operating.
This bond ensures the principal conducts business in an ethical manner, complies with all federal regulations and disperses all funds properly. If a harmed party files a claim against the bond and it is found to be valid, the surety company will pay out up to the penal sum of the bond to resolve the claim. Any monies paid out by the surety, including attorney’s fees, must be reimbursed by the principal.
What are the different Livestock License classifications?
A business may be classified as the following:
Livestock Market Agency
- Buys or sell livestock on a commission basis, or
- Furnishes stockyard services
Livestock Dealer
- Buys and sells livestock either on its own account or as the employee or agent to the vendor or purchaser
Packer
- Buys livestock for slaughter
- Manufactures or prepares meats or meat food products for sale or shipment, or
- Markets meats, meat food products, or livestock products in an unmanufactured form acting as a wholesale broker, dealer, or distributor
Live Poultry Dealer
- Purchases live poultry
- Obtains live poultry under a poultry growing arrangement for slaughter or sells it for slaughter by another
Swine Contractor
- Obtains swine under a swine production contract for slaughter or sells it for slaughter by another
What bond amount is required for a Livestock Bond?
Livestock Surety Bonds have a minimum bond amount of $10,000. The bond amount is the average dollar value of business conducted in two business days and is based on the annual livestock report the principal is required to submit per the PSA. It is recommended that you consult the PSA for your specific needs prior to bonding.
Can I get a Livestock Bond with bad credit?
Pacific Surety offers a wide range of approvals, regardless of credit, for Livestock Surety Bonds. With our strong surety relationships, we have the ability to approve 99% of applicants, regardless of how bad their credit is. Our knowledgeable underwriting staff will work with you to ensure you receive the lowest possible pricing for your bond. Applicants with substandard credit can expect to pay 5%-10% of the bond amount in premium. To see what rate you will qualify for, please complete our online application for your free, no obligation price quote.
How are Livestock Surety Bonds purchased?
Pacific Surety offers industry low rates and can obtain approvals for almost all credit situations. Once our simple application has been completed, we can have pricing to you within hours. If you have any specific questions, please contact our knowledgeable underwriting staff.