MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate has issued a formal notice of intent to suspend Hansen-Mueller Co.’s grain dealer license after the company failed to pay Alabama producers for grain delivered on its behalf.

In recent weeks, ADAI was contacted by several concerned Alabama grain producers who reported missing payments from the company. After communication with Hansen-Mueller Co., ADAI confirmed that around 17 Alabama producers were currently owed payment, in addition to farmers in Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas.

“Alabama’s farmers deserve to be paid fully and on time for the crops they work so hard to produce,” said Commissioner Rick Pate. “When a company fails to honor its obligations, it puts our producers in a vulnerable financial position. It is our responsibility to step in, stand with our farmers, and ensure they are protected, especially during unprecedented financial times.”

To protect Alabama’s grain farmers, ADAI has issued notice of its intent to suspend the company’s grain dealer license effective Thursday, December 4, 2025, pursuant to Ala. Code Section 2-31-11. The suspension may be avoided only if the company provides proof of full payment to all affected producers before the date listed above.

Hansen-Mueller Co. is a Nebraska-based grain trading and merchandising company founded in 1979, operating across the U.S. and internationally in grain handling, logistics, and export services. The company trades major commodities like corn, wheat, and sorghum and manages storage, transportation and global distribution.