NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Grain producers across several states are taking urgent steps to protect themselves after Hansen-Mueller Co., an Omaha-based grain dealer with elevators in multiple regions, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 17. The filing leaves unpaid farmers in Iowa, Texas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin racing to verify deliveries, secure documentation, and file claims through their respective indemnity systems.
In Iowa, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship confirmed that any unpaid grain delivered before November 17 may qualify for compensation through the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund, with a strict filing deadline of March 17, 2026. The fund — created during the 1980s Farm Crisis — can cover up to 90 percent of eligible losses. Regulators emphasized that missing the 120-day claim window results in loss of indemnity eligibility.
Texas officials issued a separate alert after receiving reports that producers remain unpaid for recent deliveries. Because Hansen-Mueller is licensed federally, not by TDA, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urged grain sellers to immediately verify receipts, confirm payments, and consider filing a UCC-1 with the Texas Secretary of State to protect their interests.
Minnesota producers, who delivered grain to Hansen-Mueller’s Duluth operation, may submit claims through the state’s relatively new grain indemnity fund — now facing its first major test. The fund can subrogate claims through bankruptcy proceedings, but payments are not guaranteed to reach 100 percent. However, Wisconsin producers who delivered to the Superior elevator are not eligible for indemnity because Hansen-Mueller was not licensed under the state’s producer security program.
Looking ahead, multiple state agencies warn that grain title transfer, documentation quality, and timely filing will determine how much affected farmers ultimately recover.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Farmers with unpaid Hansen-Mueller grain should verify delivery records immediately and file indemnity claims promptly, as coverage rules vary widely by state.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
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