PSC Orders Axtell Company to Cease & Desist

Lincoln, Oct. 23, 2025 – The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has opened an investigation and ordered Roberts Seed, Inc., of Axtell to immediately cease and desist all operations as a Grain Dealer and Grain Warehouse in Nebraska.

The PSC Grain Department was recently informed that the company had purchased grain from a producer. An Oct. 20 inspection by the PSC Grain Department found that the company is purchasing various amounts of commodities from Nebraska producers and is also storing commodities at its facility in Axtell without proper license.

“It is imperative that our producers/sellers who are in the thick of harvest season are aware that this company does not hold a license to conduct grain dealer or grain warehouse activity in the state of Nebraska,” said Commission Chair Tim Schram.

The PSC is investigating Roberts Seed, Inc., for performing actions as a grain dealer in the state of Nebraska without a valid Grain Dealer License issued by the Commission, in violation of Nebraska Revised Statue § 75-903 and 291 Nebraska Administrative Code § 8-003.01; and as a grain warehouse, without a valid Grain Warehouse License, in violation of Nebraska Revised Statute §88-527, and 291 Nebraska Administrative Code § 08-002.01.

In 2018, Roberts Seed, Inc., was fined by the Commission and was prohibited from engaging in grain dealer activities without obtaining a Grain Dealer License.

Commission Vice-Chair Kevin Stocker said, “This company’s apparent blatant disregard for state law leaves us with no option but to order them to immediately cease and desist all activity.” 

The PSC will begin the process of filing a formal complaint against Roberts Seed, Inc. Once the company receives the complaint, it will be required to show why it should not be assessed civil penalties for operating as both a grain dealer and a grain warehouse without proper license.