The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has issued a notice of intent to suspend the grain dealer license of Nebraska-based Hansen-Mueller Co. after the company failed to pay multiple Alabama producers for grain delivered on its behalf, according to a news release.

Commissioner Rick Pate said the department was contacted in recent weeks by several Alabama grain farmers reporting missing payments. ADAI confirmed that at least 17 Alabama producers are owed money, 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," Pate said in the release. "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."

Per the release, the department's notice sets the suspension of Hansen-Mueller's license for Thursday, Dec. 4, under Ala. Code Section 2-31-11. The company can avoid the suspension only by providing proof of full payment to all affected producers before that date.

ADAI sent a formal letter to Chief Restructuring Officer Michael Compton via certified mail and email, outlining the department's intent to suspend the license.

"I have received numerous complaints from grain producers in Alabama that your company has not issued payment for the grain they have delivered on your behalf," Pate said in the letter. "After members of my staff communicated with employees of your company, your company provided evidence that at least 17 Alabama producers are owed payments by your company. I have allowed sufficient time for you to rectify this situation and issue payment to these producers."

The letter notes that sufficient time had been given for the company to resolve the issue and emphasizes the department's responsibility to protect Alabama grain farmers from future financial harm.

According to the letter, Pate said that "to avoid this suspension, you must provide proof to my office of full payment to the producers impacted by your inaction" by the Dec. 4 date.

Hansen-Mueller Co., founded in 1979, operates across the U.S. and internationally, offering grain trading, handling, logistics and export services. The company trades major commodities including corn, wheat and sorghum, and manages storage, transportation and global distribution.