USDA is going after Lancaster, PA, livestock dealer Dennis Kolb for allegedly violating the Beef Promotion and Research Act and Order by failing to remit required beef checkoff assessments.

The administrative complaint alleges violations occurred repeatedly from 1998 to 2003. It seeks to require Kolb to remit all unpaid assessments and late payment charges, and to comply with the Beef Order in the future. It also asks for civil penalties, which could result in fines of as much as $5,500/violation.

Steve Barratt, Cattlemen's Beef Board director of collections and compliance, says the action represents a last resort to collect the assessments required by law.