The Nebraska Public Service Commission (Commission) reminded grain dealers and

producers that changes to the Grain Dealer Act (Act) become effective August 30. In May, the

Legislature passed LB 183 modifying certain portions of the Act. With the effective date just weeks

away, the Commission wants dealers and producers to be prepared. Beginning August 30, producers

that sell grain to a dealer have 15 days from the last delivery, instead of 30 days, to demand payment

from the dealer. The deadlines to negotiate checks received from a dealer and report an insufficient

fund check to the PSC were also reduced to 15 days. Failure to comply with the deadlines will result in

no security protection for those transactions in the event of a dealer failure.

“The changes to the Dealer Act incentivize prudent business practices within the industry,” said

Commission Chair, Jerry Vap of McCook, “these are extremely important changes for those conducting

business with grain dealers,” Vap said. “Don’t wait to get your money after delivery is complete,” urged

Commissioner Rod Johnson from Sutton. “Delay in seeking payment and reporting any problems to the

Commission is risky,” Johnson continued.

LB 183 made other changes as well, including clarifying dealer security coverage applies to first

producers, eliminating Commission licensing requirements for dealers utilizing their own grain trucks,

and clarifying acceptable financial documents for licensing. More information on LB 183 is available on

the Commission’s website at www.psc.nebraska.gov. “The changes in LB 183 are positive for the

industry,” said Vap, “we just want to ensure that producers are aware important changes to their

marketing plans are happening August 30.”