In 2024, Chad Fleenor, owner of Volunteer Stockyards in Tennessee, faced a devastating challenge when a livestock dealer defaulted on payments for cattle purchased. Despite the setback, Chad ensured his consignors—local livestock producers who rely on his market—were paid in full. To recover the funds owed, he utilized every resource available, including the Livestock Dealer Statutory Trust, a critical protection for sellers since its enactment in 2020.
This is the story of how the Livestock Dealer Statutory Trust provided vital support during a financial crisis, safeguarding both Chad’s business and the producers he serves.