March 21, 2012

Notice for Individuals Doing Business with the Former Gallatin Livestock Auction

Individuals owed payment may file a claim with the Missouri Dept. of Ag through April 27

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) encourages all Missouri livestock producers and buyers who have not received payment for business transactions with Daniel Froman or R&K Real Estate, Inc., d.b.a. Gallatin Livestock Auction to contact the Department immediately. The Gallatin, Mo.-based business' bond funds were transferred to the Department following claims on unpaid receipts. The deadline for filing a claim is Fri., April 27, 2012.

"The Missouri Department of Agriculture makes every effort to protect our state's agriculture industry," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "We continue to monitor this situation and all of Missouri's livestock auctions, and stand ready to assist affected farmers and farm families to the fullest extent."

Livestock producers and buyers who have unpaid transactions and have not yet filed a claim with MDA should call the Department at (573) 751-5617. The Gallatin Livestock Auction bond of $125,000 will be distributed to those owed payment on a pro-rated basis in the event that the value of claims exceeds the bond amount.

The Gallatin Livestock Auction's Missouri Livestock Market license expired in December 2011. The auction's former owner, Daniel Froman, is currently serving a six-year sentence in federal prison on criminal charges related to his actions as a principal of Gallatin Grain Company.

For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit mda.mo.gov.