S Ranch Meats, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.2

At approximately 12:30 pm while preparing for slaughter to resume after lunch it was noticed that two cattle had remained in the holding pens without water throughout the lunch break. The gate between the upper and lower pens was shut with one cattle in the upper pen and one cattle in the lower pen. Neither pen had water available. The cow in the upper pen had not had access to water since approximately 11:15 am. Prior to leaving for lunch the CSI reminded an establishment employee that was outside looking at the pens that the cattle needed water available. Approximately 20 minutes later the VMO walked outside and notified the employee that the cattle needed access to water as the plant was on lunch break. He explained that they were no longer giving water during lunch and did not provide water. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.2 (e) which states “Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down.” This is a reoccurring issue. This NR is being linked to non-compliance record SVB1214050020N which was issued on 5/20/2025 for the same non-compliance. This non-compliance also occurred on 4/22/2025. The necessity of water access in all holding pens has been discussed at length on multiple occasions with establishment management. Stock tanks are present on-site but have all been moved to the suspect pen and contain no water. Plant manager, REDACTED, was verbally notified, and was notified again in writing with the issuance of this non-compliance record.

313.2

At approximately 12:30 pm while preparing for slaughter to resume after lunch it was noticed that two cattle had remained in the upper holding pen throughout the lunch break. The gate between the upper and lower pens was shut and there had been no access to water since at least 11:17am. This is a reoccurring issue as the same issue happened on 4/22/2025. That morning IPP discussed the necessity of water access in all holding pens, as cattle had been in the lower holding pen for several hours without access to water. A water trough was added and filled at that time. Over the lunch break on 4/22/2025 cattle were left in the upper pen with no access to water. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.2 (e) which states “Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down.” Plant manager, REDACTED, was verbally notified, and was notified again in writing with the issuance of this non-compliance record.