Nebraska grain buyer fined $28,000 in South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. — A Nebraska grain dealer that operated for greater than two years with out a license is being fined $28,000.

The South Dakota Public Utilities Fee on Thursday, April 14, permitted the fantastic towards Crossroads Cooperative of Sidney, Nebraska.

PUC Chairman Chris Nelson famous that the fantastic was larger than different instances the place enterprise have purchased grain with out a license, partly as a result of “there was a sample of no response” when PUC workers contacted Crossroads.

Lisa Carter, chief monetary officer, stated she was not conscious Crossroads was not licensed in South Dakota when she joined the corporate in fall 2021, however assured the PUC that administration modifications imply Crossroads can be compliant and responsive.

The PUC web site now lists Crossroads as a licensed grain purchaser.

A PUC grievance says Crossroads made greater than 700 grain purchases with out a license. The newest buy was made Feb, 8, 2022, after the state stated it had repeatedly warned Crossroads of the should be licensed.

Tom Jeffers, an legal professional who says he has labored with Crossroads for greater than 20 years, stated that the corporate’s “historical past just isn’t per what occurred in South Dakota.”

Commissioner Kristie Fiegen stated the case “reminds grain consumers doing enterprise in South Dakota that you must have a license, you will need to have a bond and should have present monetary statements to the PUC in a well timed method.”

In its March 29 assembly, the fee fined Atlantic Grain and Commerce $10,000 for working with out a license. Atlantic is headquartered in South Carolina with an workplace in Chaska, Minnesota, and primarily purchased birdseed elements.