Judge Terry Means has set the trial on Mandatory Penalties for July 16, 2012 in federal court in Fort Worth, Texas.  The plaintiffs, SHOW HIO, Mike McGartland and Contender Farms recently filed suit challenging the new USDA rule forcing industry HIOs to enforce mandatory penalties.  Judge Means denied the plaintiffs request for a temporary restraining order however the court will hear the full case on the merits on the 16th.

More information on the proceedings in Fort Worth, Texas will be made available soon.