FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 29, 2026
UPDATE ON HANSEN-MUELLER BANKRUPTCY:
PSC ADVISES AFFECTED NEBRASKA PRODUCERS,
LANDOWNERS TO SUBMIT CLAIMS BY FEB. 6
LINCOLN – A bankruptcy court has granted a motion
related to the grain dealer security bond held by the
Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) to help
compensate grain producers still owed payment by
Omaha-based Hansen-Mueller Co.
Such bonds are required under Nebraska law to protect
producers when licensed grain dealers fail to meet
payment obligations. The grant of the PSC’s motion
allows the Commission to move forward to determine
valid claims from grain producers awaiting payment.
“The Commission’s priority remains protecting Nebraska
grain producers in accordance with Nebraska law,” said
PSC Chair Tim Schram, District 3. “This court decision
gives us a clear path to use the bond as it was intended.”
The PSC has begun notifying parties who previously had
claims with Hansen-Mueller. Nebraska producers or
landowners who believe they may be owed payment and
have not yet been contacted are encouraged to submit a
claim by Feb. 6, 2026. Information on submitting claims,
including required documentation, is available on the PSC
Grain Department homepage:
https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain.
PSC staff will review affidavits and supporting grain claim
documents submitted by the deadline. The Commission
will then decide on further action at an upcoming hearing.
“We urge every Nebraska grain producer or landowner who
believes they may have an unpaid claim to file it with the
Commission right away so we can move forward efficiently
and get assistance to those who need it.” said Terri Fritz,
director of the PSC’s Grain Department. “We’ll continue
working through the process and keeping everyone who
submits a claim informed every step of the way.”
Hansen-Mueller filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in
November 2025. The company’s PSC-issued grain dealer
license expired Jan. 1 and was not renewed.
Previously, and in response to complaints received, the
PSC:
• opened a formal complaint on Oct. 24, 2025;
• suspended the company’s grain dealer license;
• required proof of a line of credit sufficient to cover
obligations, which was submitted by the company on Oct.
30, 2025; and
• through a stipulated agreement approved Nov. 4, 2025,
required Hansen-Mueller to make payment to all Nebraska
producers known to be owed at the time.
###
