Andersons' Nebr. Grain License At Risk

LINCOLN, Neb. (DTN) -- Maumee, Ohio-based The Andersons Inc. could lose its grain dealer's license in Nebraska after the Nebraska Public Service Commission filed a complaint Thursday alleging the company failed to make timely payments to a Nebraska grain producer, the commission said in a news release.

On March 2, 2026, the commission's grain warehouses and dealers department initiated an investigation based on an informal complaint from an unnamed grain producer who said they were not being paid for grain deliveries.

"The investigation revealed that respondent had received 17 loads of grain from the producer between November 2023 and January 2024, a portion of which remains unpaid," the complaint said.

"Based on the failure of respondent to make payment on demand, civil penalties should be assessed against respondent, respondent's license should be revoked and respondent should be ordered to cease and desist operations in Nebraska."

DTN reached out to The Andersons for comment.

The Andersons operates about 180 facilities across the U.S. and Canada, and focuses on commodity merchandising of corn, soybeans, wheat and feed ingredients. In addition, the company operates four ethanol plants in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Iowa with a combined production capacity of 500 million gallons.

The department issued a formal request for information on June 25, 2026, asking The Andersons to provide a written response by July 16, 2026. The agency granted an extension to July 27, 2026, according to the complaint.

"On July 27, 2026, respondent submitted its response, stating that one reason for nonpayment was an inability to verify title to the grain through its records," the complaint said.

"Following receipt, the department and respondent engaged in informal discussions to clarify respondent's basis for nonpayment. Upon conclusion of those discussions, the department directed respondent to contact the producer and attempt to resolve the allegations regarding unpaid grain deliveries by Aug. 5, 2026."

The Andersons then contacted the agency and reported the allegations were resolved and payment was arranged for all grain deliveries in question.

The PSC alleges in the complaint that The Andersons violated Nebraska law by failing to maintain accurate, complete, or current records and by failing to make payment on demand related to the 17 loads in question.

Beginning on Jan. 8, 2024, and ending on Dec. 9, 2025, the complaint alleges The Andersons failed to make payment on demand for nine loads delivered on Nov. 30, 2023, and Jan. 8, 2024, for a total of 701 days.

The PSC also alleges the company failed to make payment on demand for eight loads delivered on Nov. 2, 2023, for a total of 939 days.

The Andersons will be allowed to show cause as to why its license should not be revoked and a hearing is expected to be scheduled.

The company is licensed by the state's PSC as a grain dealer, which allows it to buy, sell and broker grain in Nebraska.

The PSC said in a news release that while the complaint stems from a single report that has been resolved, the agency is "encouraging any other Nebraska grain producers or sellers who have experienced similar payment delays involving The Andersons or other grain dealers" to come forward.

"Our priority is protecting Nebraska's grain producers and ensuring buyers meet their obligations under state law," said Terri Fritz, grain department director.

"If producers are not being paid in a timely manner, we want to hear from them. Information from other sellers will help us determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a broader pattern."

Nebraska grain producers or sellers who believe they have experienced delayed payment from The Andersons or other grain dealers are encouraged to contact the PSC at 402-471-0222 or by sending an email to psc.grain@nebraska.gov.

Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com

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