North Dakota Protects Farmers from Unlicensed Buyers

By Scout Nelson

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture announces a cease-and-desist order against several unlicensed companies and individuals involved in grain purchasing activities. The order protects farmers, grain elevators, and the state grain market by stopping unapproved buying practices.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring issues the order against Reddington Group, Inc., Flaxsun doing business as Flaxsun, Inc., Kent Duane Anderson, and Austin Anderson. These entities and individuals are now prohibited from all grain buyer activities within North Dakota.

An investigation shows that the listed companies and individuals attempt to make purchases from North Dakota grain elevators without holding proper state licenses. State law requires all grain buyers to be licensed to ensure fair trade, financial responsibility, and transparency in the grain market.

“These entities and individuals have never been licensed in North Dakota and have not pursued licensing,” Goehring said.

Licensing helps protect farmers by ensuring that buyers meet state standards and are able to complete payments and contracts. Without proper licenses, buyers may pose risks to grain sellers and the grain handling system.

The cease-and-desist order requires the named parties to immediately stop all grain purchasing actions. This includes contacting grain elevators, negotiating purchases, and attempting to move or market grain within the state.

The Department of Agriculture continues to monitor grain trade activity across North Dakota. The agency encourages grain sellers to verify buyer licenses before entering into sales agreements. This step helps farmers avoid payment delays, contract issues, and financial losses.

State officials remind all companies that plan to buy grains in North Dakota that proper licensing is required before doing business. Licensing ensures that buyers follow state rules and protect the integrity of the grain marketing system.

The department states that enforcement actions like this help keep the grain industry fair, stable, and safe for producers, grain elevators, and buyers who follow the law.

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