Grain dealer makes deal with PSC, makes payments to farmers

An Omaha-based grain dealer's license has been reinstated after it made more than $2 million in outstanding payments to producers.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved a stipulated agreement with Hansen-Mueller Co. It also dismissed its complaint against the company and will not issue any civil penalties.

The PSC suspended the company’s license last month after a number of complaints from farmers. At the time, it was revealed that Hansen-Mueller owed about $2 million to more than three dozen farmers.

Terri Fritz, the PSC’s grain department director, said Tuesday that the company has since paid about $2.1 million to producers.

“So all the producers in Nebraska who were doing business … they have been paid,” Fritz said.

Under terms of the stipulated agreement, Hansen-Mueller must immediately fulfill all outstanding payment obligations to Nebraska grain producers; fulfill all outstanding payment obligations to Nebraska grain dealers and warehouses by Feb. 27; and remain in compliance with all standard requirements for a Nebraska grain dealer license.

“Our decision today balances the public interest with the opportunity for Hansen-Mueller to correct previous concerns,” said Commission Chair Tim Schram. “Our top priority was making sure these debts were paid during this crucial time in the harvest season, and we’re pleased that the company has already begun issuing the outstanding funds.”