March 19, 2010

Department of Agriculture Liquidates Grain-Related Assets of Prairie Pride

Farmers owed are asked to contact the department's Grain Regulatory Services

Today, the Missouri Department of Agriculture announced it has liquidated grain-related assets of Prairie Pride Inc. in Deerfield, Mo. to ensure that farmers in the area receive payment for previously delivered soybeans. In February, Prairie Pride, Inc. became financially unable to meet its obligations forcing the Department of Agriculture to suspend the company's grain license and secure assets to protect Missouri farmers.

"This unfortunate event has made a large impact on many Missouri soybean producers and grain elevators in the region," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "We continue to do everything we can to ensure the affected producers get paid for the their product delivered to the facility. It is our hope that Prairie Pride, Inc. will be able to address its financial and management issues, honor their forward contracts and to return to business to protect the investments of this important farmer-owned entity."

Farmers and grain sellers who have not been contacted by the Department of Agriculture and have not been paid for delivered grain are asked to contact the department's Grain Regulatory Services at (573) 751-4112 to file a claim.