25:719A75E3-292E-4C96-886D-EF2275E1376525203GRAIN DEALERS203.1Definitions.As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:1“Bond” means a bond issued by a surety company or an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a financial institution described in subsection 9.2“Check” means a paper instrument used for ordering, instructing, or authorizing a financial institution to make payment or credit a presenter’s account and debit the issuer’s account. “Check” includes instruments commonly referred to as a check, draft, share draft, or other negotiable instrument for the payment of money. An instrument may be a check even though it is described on its face by another term, such as “money order”.3“Credit-sale contract” means a deferred-payment contract or a deferred-pricing contract.4“Custom livestock feeder” means a person who buys grain for the sole purpose of feeding it to livestock owned by another person in a feedlot as defined in section 172D.1, subsection 6, or a confinement building owned or operated by the custom livestock feeder and located in this state.5“Deferred-payment contract” means a contract pursuant to which the purchase price for grain is agreed to by a seller and licensed grain dealer, if payment will occur more than thirty days from the date of delivery, as defined in section 203.8, subsection 2, paragraph “a”.6“Deferred-pricing contract” means a contract by a seller and licensed grain dealer if delivery, as defined in section 203.8, subsection 2, paragraph “a”, has occurred but the purchase price has not been agreed to by the seller and licensed grain dealer.7“Department” means the department of agriculture and land stewardship.8“Electronic funds transfer” means a remote electronic transmission used for ordering, instructing, or authorizing a financial institution to pay money to or credit the account of the payee and debit the account of the payer. The remote electronic transmission may be initiated by telephone, terminal, computer, or similar device.9“Financial institution” means any of the following:aA bank or savings association authorized by the laws of any other state or the United States, which is a member of the federal deposit insurance corporation.bA bank or association chartered by the farm credit system under the federal Farm Credit Act, as amended, 12 U.S.C. ch. 23.10“Good cause” means that the department has cause to believe that the net worth or current asset to current liability ratio of a grain dealer presents a danger to sellers with whom the grain dealer does business, based on evidence of any of the following:aThe making of a payment by use of a check or electronic funds transfer, and a financial institution refuses payment because of insufficient moneys in a grain dealer’s account.bA violation of recordkeeping requirements provided in this chapter or rules adopted pursuant to this chapter by the department.cA substantial risk of loss to the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund caused by the possible insolvency of the grain dealer based on a statistical model provided in section 203.22.11“Grain” means any grain for which the United States department of agriculture has established standards pursuant to the United States Grain Standards Act, 7 U.S.C. ch. 3.12“Grain dealer” means a person who cumulatively purchases at least one thousand bushels of grain from producers during any calendar month, if such grain is delivered within or into this state for purposes of resale, milling, or processing in this state. However, “grain dealer” does not include any of the following:aA producer of grain who is buying grain for the producer’s own use as seed or feed.bA person solely engaged in buying grain future contracts on the board of trade.cA person who purchases grain only for sale in a feed regulated under chapter 198.dA person who purchases grain only from grain dealers licensed under this chapter.eA person engaged in the business of selling agricultural seeds regulated by chapter 199.fA person buying grain only as a farm manager.gAn executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or conservator of an estate.hA custom livestock feeder.iA cooperative organized under chapter 501 or 501A, if the cooperative only purchases grain from its members who are producers or from a licensed grain dealer, and the cooperative does not resell that grain.jA limited liability company as defined in section 489.102 that meets all of the following requirements:1The majority of voting rights in the limited liability company are held by its members who are producers.2The purpose of the limited liability company is to produce renewable fuel as defined in section 214A.1.3The limited liability company only purchases grain from its members who are producers or from a licensed grain dealer.4The limited liability company does not resell grain that it purchases.13“Person” means the same as defined in section 4.1 and includes a business association as defined in section 202B.102 or joint or common venture regardless of whether it is organized under a chapter of the Code.14“Producer” means the owner, tenant, or operator of land in this state who has an interest in and receives all or a part of proceeds from the sale of grain produced on that land.15“Scale weight ticket” means the same as defined in section 203C.1.16“Seller” means a person who sells grain which the person has produced or caused to be produced to a licensed grain dealer, and includes a person who executes a credit-sale contract as a seller.17“United States Warehouse Act” means the United States Warehouse Act, 7 U.S.C. ch. 10.18“Warehouse operator” means the same as defined in section 203C.1.[C75, 77, 79, 81, §542.1; 81 Acts, ch 180, §1 – 3]85 Acts, ch 80, §1, 2; 86 Acts, ch 1006, §1; 86 Acts, ch 1152, §1, 2; 86 Acts, ch 1245, §669; 87 Acts, ch 147, §1; 89 Acts, ch 143, §1001; 92 Acts, ch 1239, §55C93, §203.195 Acts, ch 28, §1; 96 Acts, ch 1010, §2; 99 Acts, ch 106, §1 – 3; 2001 Acts, ch 36, §1, 2; 2003 Acts, ch 69, §1, 2, 46; 2004 Acts, ch 1038, §1; 2005 Acts, ch 135, §106; 2007 Acts, ch 22, §47; 2008 Acts, ch 1083, §1, 2; 2008 Acts, ch 1162, §133, 154, 155; 2012 Acts, ch 1017, §55; 2012 Acts, ch 1095, §85, 86; 2023 Acts, ch 154, §3, 19; 2025 Acts, ch 105, §1, 2Subsection 3 amendedNEW subsections 5 and 6 and former subsections 5 – 16 renumbered as 7 – 18203.2Powers and duties of the department.The department may exercise general supervision over the business operations of grain dealers. The supervisory and regulatory powers authorized by this chapter shall be the responsibility of the warehouse bureau of the department. The department may inspect or cause to be inspected any grain dealer operating in this state and may require the filing of reports pertaining to the operation of the dealer’s business. The department shall adopt rules to provide for the efficient administration and regulation of the provisions of this chapter, and may designate an employee of the department to act for the department in any details connected with such administration, including the issuance of licenses and approval of grain dealers’ bonds in the name of the department.[C75, 77, 79, 81, §542.2]89 Acts, ch 143, §101C93, §203.2203.2AGrain purchasers who are not licensed grain dealers special notice requirements.1This section applies to a person who is not required to be issued a license as a grain dealer pursuant to section 203.3. The person shall not purchase grain from a producer for purposes of resale, milling, feeding, or processing.2Subsection 1 does not apply to any of the following:aA person who purchases less than fifty thousand bushels of grain from all producers in the twelve months prior to purchasing grain from the producer.bA person who provides notice to the producer as provided in subsection 3.3aThe notice must be in the following form:ATTENTION TO PRODUCERS:The person purchasing this grain is not a licensed grain dealer and this is not a covered transaction eligible for indemnification from the grain dealers and sellers indemnity fund as provided in Iowa Code section 203D.3bThe notice must be provided to the producer prior to or at the time of the purchase. The notice may appear on a separate statement or as part of a document received by the producer, including a contract or receipt, as required by the department.cThe notice must appear in a printed boldface font in at least ten point type.99 Acts, ch 106, §4; 2012 Acts, ch 1095, §87203.3License required — financial responsibility.1A person shall not engage in the business of a grain dealer in this state without having obtained a license issued by the department.2The type of license required shall be determined as follows:aA class 1 license is required if the grain dealer purchases any grain by credit-sale contract, or if the value of grain purchased by the grain dealer from producers during the grain dealer’s previous fiscal year exceeds five hundred thousand dollars. Any other grain dealer may elect to be licensed as a class 1 grain dealer.bA class 2 license is required for any grain dealer not holding a class 1 license. A class 2 licensee whose purchases from producers during a fiscal year exceed a limit of five hundred thousand dollars in value shall file within thirty days of the date the limit is reached a complete application for a class 1 license. If a class 1 license is denied, the person immediately shall cease doing business as a grain dealer.3An application for a license to engage in business as a grain dealer shall be filed with the department and shall be in a form prescribed by the department. The application shall include the name of the applicant, its principal officers if the applicant is a corporation or the active members of a partnership if the applicant is a partnership and the location of the principal office or place of business of the applicant. A separate license shall be required for each location at which records are maintained for transactions of the grain dealer. The application shall be accompanied by a complete financial statement of the applicant setting forth the assets, liabilities and the net worth of the applicant. The financial statement must be prepared according to generally accepted accounting principles. Assets shall be shown at original cost less depreciation. Upon a written request filed with the department, the department or a designated employee may allow asset valuations in accordance with a competent appraisal. Unpriced contracts shall be shown as a liability and valued at the applicable current market price of grain as of the date the financial statement is prepared.4In order to receive and retain a class 1 license the following conditions must be satisfied:aThe grain dealer shall have and maintain a net worth of at least seventy-five thousand dollars, or maintain a deficiency bond or an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of two thousand dollars for each one thousand dollars or fraction thereof of net worth deficiency. However, a person shall not be licensed as a class 1 grain dealer if the person has a net worth of less than thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars.bThe grain dealer shall submit, as required by the department, a financial statement that is accompanied by an unqualified opinion based upon an audit performed by a certified public accountant licensed in this state. The department shall not require that a grain dealer submit more than one such unqualified opinion per year. A grain dealer shall submit financial statements to the department in addition to the financial statement accompanied by an unqualified opinion as required in this paragraph if the department determines that it is necessary to verify the grain dealer’s financial status or compliance with this section.cA grain dealer shall submit a report to the department according to procedures required by the department, if the grain dealer provides a bond based in part on the number of bushels of unpaid grain purchased by the grain dealer, as provided in rules adopted by the department, in order to satisfy the current assets to current liabilities ratio requirement of this section. The report shall contain information required by the department, including the number of bushels of unpaid grain purchased by the grain dealer. The grain dealer shall submit the report not more than once each month. However, the department may require that a grain dealer submit a report on a more frequent basis, if the department has good cause.dThe grain dealer shall have and maintain current assets equal to at least one hundred percent of current liabilities or provide a bond under the following conditions:1A grain dealer with current assets equal to at least fifty percent of current liabilities shall provide a bond of two thousand dollars for each one thousand dollars or fraction of one thousand dollars of current assets that the grain dealer is lacking to meet the minimum requirement. After the amount of the bond equals one million dollars, the grain dealer may elect to base the remainder of the amount of the bond on the number of bushels of unpaid grain being purchased by the grain dealer, as provided for by rules which shall be adopted by the department. The remaining amount shall equal two thousand dollars for each one thousand dollars of the highest amount of bushels of unpaid grain purchased by the grain dealer during each month.2A grain dealer with current assets equal to less than fifty percent of current liabilities shall provide a bond of two thousand dollars for each one thousand dollars or fraction of one thousand dollars of current assets that the grain dealer is lacking to meet the minimum requirement. However, the bond shall not be used for longer than thirty consecutive days in a twelve-month period.5In order to receive and retain a class 2 license the following conditions must be satisfied:aThe grain dealer shall have and maintain a net worth of at least thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars, or maintain a deficiency bond or an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of two thousand dollars for each one thousand dollars or fraction thereof of net deficiency. However, a person shall not be licensed as a class 2 grain dealer if the person has a net worth of less than seventeen thousand five hundred dollars.bThe grain dealer shall submit, as required by the department, a financial statement that is accompanied by an unqualified opinion based upon an audit performed by a certified public accountant licensed in this state. The department shall not require that a grain dealer submit more than one such unqualified opinion per year. A grain dealer shall submit financial statements to the department in addition to the financial statement accompanied by an unqualified opinion required in this paragraph if the department determines that it is necessary to verify the grain dealer’s financial status or compliance with this section.cA grain dealer shall submit a report to the department according to procedures required by the department, if the grain dealer provides a bond based in part on the number of bushels of unpaid grain purchased by the grain dealer, as provided in rules adopted by the department, in order to satisfy the current assets to current liabilities ratio requirement of this section. The report shall contain information required by the department, including the number of bushels of unpaid grain purchased by the grain dealer. The grain dealer shall submit the report not more than once each month. However, the department may require that a grain dealer submit a report on a more frequent basis, if the department has good cause.dThe grain dealer shall have and maintain current assets equal to at least one hundred percent of current liabilities or provide a bond under the following conditions:1A grain dealer with current assets equal to at least fifty percent of current liabilities shall provide a bond of two thousand dollars for each one thousand dollars or fraction of one thousand dollars of current assets that the grain dealer is lacking to meet the minimum requirement. After the amount of the bond equals one million dollars, the grain dealer may elect to base the remainder of the amount of the bond on the number of bushels of unpaid grain being purchased by the grain dealer, as provided for by rules which shall be adopted by the department. The remaining amount shall equal two thousand dollars for each one thousand dollars of the highest amount of bushels of unpaid grain purchased by the grain dealer during each month.2A grain dealer with current assets equal to less than fifty percent of current liabilities shall provide a bond of two thousand dollars for each one thousand dollars or fraction of one thousand dollars of current assets that the grain dealer is lacking to meet the minimum requirement. However, the bond shall not be used for longer than thirty consecutive days in a twelve-month period.6The department shall adopt rules relating to the form and time of filing of financial statements. The department may require additional information or verification with respect to the financial resources of the applicant and the applicant’s ability to pay producers for grain purchased from them.7aWhen the net worth or current ratio of a licensee in good standing is less than that required by this section, the grain dealer shall correct the deficiency or file a deficiency bond or an irrevocable letter of credit within thirty days of written notice by the department. Unless the deficiency is corrected or the deficiency bond or irrevocable letter of credit is filed within thirty days, the grain dealer license shall be suspended.bIf the department finds that the welfare of grain producers requires emergency action, and incorporates a finding to that effect in its order, immediate suspension of a license may be ordered notwithstanding the thirty-day period otherwise allowed by paragraph “a”.8A deficiency bond or irrevocable letter of credit filed with the department pursuant to this section shall not be canceled by the issuer on less than ninety days’ notice by certified mail to the secretary of agriculture and the principal.[C75, 77, 79, 81, §542.3; 81 Acts, ch 180, §4; 82 Acts, ch 1093, §1]83 Acts, ch 18, §1; 83 Acts, ch 54, §1; 83 Acts, ch 175, §1, 2; 84 Acts, ch 1224, §1; 85 Acts, ch 234, §1, 2; 86 Acts, ch 1152, §3, 4; 87 Acts, ch 147, §2, 3; 89 Acts, ch 143, §201, 202, 301, 302, 401, 402; 92 Acts, ch 1239, §56, 57C93, §203.394 Acts, ch 1086, §1 – 4; 2008 Acts, ch 1083, §3, 42025 Acts, ch 105, §3, 4Subsection 4, paragraph b amendedSubsection 5, paragraph b amended203.4Participation in indemnity fund required.A grain dealer licensed or required to be licensed pursuant to section 203.3 shall participate in and comply with the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund provided in chapter 203D.[C75, 77, 79, 81, §542.4; 81 Acts, ch 180, §5]86 Acts, ch 1006, §2; 86 Acts, ch 1152, §5C93, §203.42003 Acts, ch 69, §3203.5License.1aUpon the filing of an application on a form prescribed by the department and compliance with the terms and conditions of this chapter including rules of the department, the department shall issue the applicant a grain dealer’s license. The license expires at the end of the third calendar month following the close of the grain dealer’s fiscal year. A grain dealer’s license may be renewed annually by filing a renewal application on a form prescribed by the department. An application for renewal must be received by the department on or before the end of the third calendar month following the close of the grain dealer’s fiscal year.bThe department shall not issue a grain dealer’s license unless the applicant pays all of the following fees:1For the issuance of a license, all of the following:aA license fee imposed under section 203.6.bA participation fee imposed under section 203D.3A, and any delinquent participation fee imposed under a previous license as provided in that section.2For the renewal of a license, all of the following:aA renewal fee imposed under section 203.6.bA participation fee imposed under section 203D.3A, and any delinquent participation fee as provided in that section.cA per-bushel fee as provided in section 203D.3A, and any delinquent per-bushel fee and penalty as provided in that section.2The department shall notify a licensed grain dealer of any delinquency in the payment of a participation fee or per-bushel fee as provided in section 203D.3A. The department shall suspend the grain dealer’s license thirty days after delivering the notice unless the licensed grain dealer pays the delinquent fee.3The department may suspend or revoke the license of a grain dealer who discounts the purchase price paid for grain nominally for the participation fee or per-bushel fee as provided in section 203D.3A while that fee is not in effect.4A grain dealer license which has expired may be reinstated by the department upon receipt of a proper renewal application, the renewal fee and a reinstatement fee as provided in section 203.6, and any delinquent participation fee or per-bushel fee and penalty as provided in section 203D.3A. The applicant must file the renewal application and pay the fees and penalty to the department within thirty days from the date of expiration of the grain dealer license.5The department may cancel a license upon request of the licensee unless a complaint or information is filed against the licensee alleging a violation of a provision of this chapter.6a The department shall refund a fee paid by an applicant to the department under this section if the department does not issue or renew a grain dealer’s license.bThe department shall prorate a fee paid by an applicant to the department under this section for the issuance or renewal of a license for less than a full year.7The department may deny a license to an applicant if the applicant has had a license issued under this chapter or chapter 203C revoked within the past three years, the applicant has been convicted of a felony involving a violation of this chapter or chapter 203C, or the applicant is owned or controlled by a person who has had a license so revoked or who has been so convicted.8The department may deny a license to an applicant if any of the following apply:aThe applicant has caused liability to the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund in regard to a license issued under this chapter or chapter 203C, and the liability has not been discharged, settled, or satisfied.bThe applicant is owned or controlled by a person who has caused liability to the fund through operations under a license issued under this chapter or chapter 203C and the liability has not been discharged, settled, or satisfied.[C75, 77, 79, 81, §542.5; 81 Acts, ch 180, §6]84 Acts, ch 1100, §1; 89 Acts, ch 143, §701; 92 Acts, ch 1239, §58C93, §203.52003 Acts, ch 69, §47; 2007 Acts, ch 22, §48; 2010 Acts, ch 1082, §1; 2012 Acts, ch 1095, §88; 2023 Acts, ch 154, §4, 19203.6Fees.The department shall charge the following fees for deposit in the general fund:1aFor the issuance or renewal of a license required under section 203.3, and for any inspection of a grain dealer, the fee shall be determined on the basis of all bushels of grain purchased during the grain dealer’s previous fiscal year according to the grain dealer’s financial statement required in section 203.3. The fee shall be calculated according to the following schedule:1If the total number of bushels purchased is thirty-five thousand or less, the license fee is sixty-six dollars and the inspection fee is eighty-three dollars.2If the total number of bushels purchased is more than thirty-five thousand, but not more than two hundred fifty thousand, the license fee is one hundred sixteen dollars and the inspection fee is one hundred twenty-five dollars.3If the total number of bushels purchased is more than two hundred fifty thousand, but not more than five hundred thousand, the license fee is one hundred sixty-six dollars and the inspection fee is one hundred ninety-one dollars.4If the total number of bushels purchased is more than five hundred thousand, but not more than one million, the license fee is two hundred ninety-one dollars and the inspection fee is two hundred forty-nine dollars.5If the total number of bushels purchased is more than one million, but not more than one million eight hundred fifty thousand, the license fee is four hundred ninety-eight dollars and the inspection fee is three hundred seven dollars.6If the total number of bushels purchased is more than one million eight hundred fifty thousand, but not more than three million two hundred thousand, the license fee is seven hundred six dollars and the inspection fee is three hundred seventy-four dollars.7If the total number of bushels purchased is more than three million two hundred thousand, the license fee is nine hundred fifty-five dollars and the inspection fee is four hundred forty dollars.bIf the applicant did not purchase grain in the applicant’s previous fiscal year, the applicant shall pay the fee specified in paragraph “a”, subparagraph (1). If during the licensee’s fiscal year the number of bushels of grain actually purchased exceeds thirty-five thousand, the licensee shall notify the department and the license and inspection fee shall be adjusted accordingly. Subsequent adjustments shall be made as necessary. An applicant may elect licensing in any category of this subsection. Fees for new licenses issued for less than a full year shall be prorated from the date of application.2For an amendment to a license, the fee is ten dollars.3For a duplicate license, the fee is five dollars.4For reinstatement of a license the fee is fifty dollars.[C75, 77, 79, 81, §542.6; 81 Acts, ch 180, §7, 32]83 Acts, ch 18, §2; 83 Acts, ch 175, §3, 4; 84 Acts, ch 1100, §2; 92 Acts, ch 1239, §59C93, §203.62009 Acts, ch 41, §215Indemnity fees, see §203D.3A203.7Posting of license.The grain dealer’s license shall be posted in a conspicuous location in the place of business. A grain dealer’s license is not transferable.[C75, 77, 79, 81, §542.7; 81 Acts, ch 180, §8]83 Acts, ch 18, §3C93, §203.7203.8Payment.1aA grain dealer licensed or required to be licensed pursuant to section 203.3 shall pay the purchase price to the seller for grain as follows:1Upon delivery or later upon demand by the seller. If the seller does not make a demand, the grain dealer shall pay the purchase price not later than the last date for scheduled payments made by the licensed grain dealer to sellers for delivered grain according to the grain dealer’s standard business operation as provided by rules adopted by the department.2In accordance with the terms of a credit-sale contract that satisfies the requirements of this chapter. bA grain dealer licensed or required to be licensed pursuant to section 203.3 shall not hold a check for the purchase of grain more than five days after the grain dealer issues a check to the seller. After that date, the grain dealer shall deliver the check in person or by mail to the seller’s last known address. The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A for a grain dealer’s payment by check and electronic funds transfer.2As used in this section:a“Delivery” means the transfer of title to and possession of grain by a seller to a grain dealer or to another person in accordance with the agreement of the seller and the grain dealer.b“Payment” means the actual payment or tender of payment by a grain dealer to a seller of the agreed purchase price, or in the case of disputes as to sales of grain, the undisputed portion of the purchase price without reduction for any separate claim of the grain dealer against the seller.[C75, 77, 79, 81, §542.8; 81 Acts, ch 180, §9]C93, §203.896 Acts, ch 1030, §1; 2003 Acts, ch 69, §42025 Acts, ch 105, §5Subsection 1 amended203.9Inspection of premises and records — reconstruction of records.1The department may inspect the premises used by any grain dealer in the conduct of the dealer’s business at any time. The department may inspect a grain dealer’s records that pertain to grain transactions during ordinary business hours. The department shall inspect a grain dealer’s records at least once each eighteen-month period without justification. The department shall prioritize inspections based on the system provided in section 203.22. The department may use a risk rating produced by a statistical model provided in section 203.22 as justification to conduct an inspection. A transporter of grain in transit shall possess bills of lading or other documents covering the grain, and shall present them to any law enforcement officer on demand. If there is justification to believe that a grain dealer is engaged without a license as required pursuant to section 203.3, the department may inspect the grain dealer’s records which pertain to grain transactions at any time.2If a grain dealer does not maintain a place of business in this state, the department is not required to inspect the grain dealer’s records. A grain dealer shall submit the grain dealer’s records relating to grain transactions occurring within this state to the department for purposes of an inspection as provided in this section at any reasonable time and place, including the offices of the department during regular business hours, as ordered by the department.3A grain dealer shall keep complete and accurate records. A grain dealer shall keep records for the previous six years. If the grain dealer’s records are incomplete or inaccurate, the department may reconstruct the grain dealer’s records in order to determine whether the grain dealer is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The department may charge the grain dealer the actual cost for reconstructing the grain dealer’s records, which shall be considered appropriated receipts as defined in section 8.2.4The department may suspend or revoke the license of a grain dealer for failing to consent to a departmental inspection or cooperate with the department during an inspection as provided in this chapter.[C75, 77, 79, 81, §542.9; 81 Acts, ch 180, §10]84 Acts, ch 1224, §2; 86 Acts, ch 1152, §6; 89 Acts, ch 143, §101; 92 Acts, ch 1239, §60C93, §203.92003 Acts, ch 69, §5; 2012 Acts, ch 1095, §89; 2024 Acts, ch 1185, §150203.10Action affecting a license.1The cessation of a grain dealer’s license occurs from any of the following:aThe revocation of the license by the department as provided in subsection 2.bThe cancellation of the license as provided in section 203.5.cThe expiration of the license according to the terms of the license as provided in this chapter, including a rule adopted in accordance with this chapter pursuant to chapter 17A.2The department may issue an order to suspend or revoke the license of a grain dealer who violates a provision of this chapter, including a rule adopted in accordance with this chapter pursuant to chapter 17A.[C75, 77, 79, 81, §542.10]86 Acts, ch 1152, §7; 89 Acts, ch 143, §101C93, §203.102003 Acts, ch 69, §6; 2012 Acts, ch 1095, §90; 2013 Acts, ch 90, §33; 2014 Acts, ch 1092, §36203.11Penalties — injunctions.1A person who knowingly submits false information to or knowingly withholds information from the department or any of its employees when required to be submitted or maintained under this chapter, commits a fraudulent practice.2aExcept as provided in paragraph “b”, a person commits a serious misdemeanor if the person does any of the following:1Engages in business as a grain dealer without a license as required in section 203.3.2Obstructs an inspection of the person’s business premises or records required to be kept by a grain dealer pursuant to section 203.9.3Uses a scale weight ticket or credit-sale contract in violation of this chapter or a requirement established by the department under this chapter.bA person who commits an offense specified in paragraph “a” after having been found guilty of the same offense commits an aggravated misdemeanor.3Except as provided in subsections 1 and 2, a person who violates any provision of this chapter commits a simple misdemeanor. With respect to a continuing violation, each day that the violation continues is a separate offense.4A person in violation of this chapter, or in violation of chapter 714 or 715A, which violation involves the business of a grain dealer, is subject to prosecution by the county attorney in the county where the business is located. However, if the county attorney fails to initiate prosecution within thirty days and upon request by the department, the attorney general may initiate and carry out the prosecution in cooperation, if possible, with the county attorney. The person in violation may be restrained by an injunction in an action brought by the department or the attorney general upon request by the department.[C75, 77, 79, 81, §542.11; 81 Acts, ch 180, §11]92 Acts, ch 1239, §61C93, §203.112003 Acts, ch 69, §7; 2023 Acts, ch 154, §5, 19203.11ACivil penalties.1The department shall establish, by rule, civil penalties which may be administratively or judicially assessed against a grain dealer for a violation of this chapter.2The amount of a civil penalty shall not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. Moneys collected in civil penalties by the department or the attorney general shall be deposited in the general fund of the state.3A civil penalty may be administratively assessed only after an opportunity for a contested case hearing under chapter 17A. The department may be represented in an administrative hearing or judicial proceeding by the attorney general. A civil penalty shall be paid within thirty days from the date that an order or judgment for the penalty becomes final. When a person against whom a civil penalty is administratively assessed under this section seeks timely judicial review of an order imposing the penalty as provided under chapter 17A, the order is not final until all judicial review processes are completed. When a person against whom a civil penalty is judicially assessed under this section seeks a timely appeal of judgment, the judgment is not final until the right of appeal is exhausted.4A person who fails to timely pay a civil penalty as provided in this section shall pay, in addition to the penalty, interest at the rate of one and one-half percent of the unpaid balance of the assessed penalty for each month or part of a month that the penalty remains unpaid.99 Acts, ch 106, §52024 Acts, ch 1170, §247203.11BGrain industry peer review panel.Repealed by 2024 Acts, ch 1170, §368.203.12Claims cessation of a license and notice of license revocation.1Upon the cessation of a grain dealer license by revocation, cancellation, or expiration, any claim for the purchase price of grain against the grain dealer shall be made in writing and filed with the grain dealer and with the issuer of a deficiency bond or of an irrevocable letter of credit and with the department within one hundred twenty days after the date of the cessation. A failure to make this timely claim relieves the issuer and the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund provided in chapter 203D of all obligations to the claimant.2Upon the revocation of a grain dealer license, the department shall cause notice of the revocation to be published once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the state of Iowa and in a newspaper of general circulation within the county of the grain dealer’s principal place of business when that dealer’s principal place of business is located in the state of Iowa. The notice shall state the name and address of the grain dealer and the effective date of revocation. The notice shall also state that any claims against the grain dealer shall be made in writing and sent by ordinary mail or delivered personally within one hundred twenty days after revocation to the grain dealer, to the issuer of a deficiency bond or of an irrevocable letter of credit, and to the department, and the notice shall state that the failure to make a timely claim does not relieve the grain dealer from liability to the claimant.[C79, 81, §542.12]86 Acts, ch 1152, §8C93, §203.122012 Acts, ch 1095, §91203.12ALien on grain dealer assets.1aAs used in this section:1“Grain dealer assets” includes proceeds received or due a grain dealer upon the sale, including exchange, collection, or other disposition, of grain sold by the grain dealer. “Grain dealer assets” also includes any other funds or property of the grain dealer which can be directly traced as being from the sale of grain by the grain dealer, or which were utilized in the business operation of the grain dealer.2“Proceeds” means noncash and cash proceeds as defined in section 554.9102.bA court, upon petition by an affected party, may order that claimed grain dealer assets are not grain dealer assets as defined in this section. The burden of proof shall be upon the petitioner to establish that the assets are not grain dealer assets as defined in this section.2A statutory lien is imposed on all grain dealer assets in favor of sellers who have surrendered warehouse receipts or other written evidence of ownership as part of a grain sale transaction or who possess written evidence of the sale of grain to a grain dealer, without receiving full payment for the grain.3The lien shall arise at the time of surrender of warehouse receipts or other written evidence of ownership as part of a grain sale transaction or the time of delivery of the grain for sale, and shall terminate when the liability of the grain dealer to the seller has been discharged. The lien of all sellers is hereby assigned to the Iowa grain indemnity fund board, on behalf of the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund.4To perfect the lien, the Iowa grain indemnity fund board must file a lien statement with the office of the secretary of state. The lien statement is valid only if filed on or after the date of suspension but not later than sixty days after the incurrence date as provided in section 203D.6. The lien statement shall disclose the name of the grain dealer, the address of the dealer’s principal place of business, a description of identifiable grain dealer assets, and the amount of the lien. The lien amount shall be the board’s estimate of the final cost of reimbursing the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund for the payment of claims against the fund resulting from the breach of the grain dealer’s obligations. The board shall correct the amount not later than one hundred eighty days following the incurrence date. A court, upon petition by an affected person, may correct the amount. The board shall have the burden of proving that the amount is an accurate estimate.5The Iowa grain indemnity fund board, upon written demand of the grain dealer, shall file a termination statement with the secretary of state, if after one hundred eighty days from the date that the lien is perfected the grain dealer’s license has not ceased by revocation, cancellation, or expiration. Upon filing the termination statement, the lien becomes unperfected. The board shall also deliver a copy of the termination statement to the grain dealer.6The secretary of state shall note the filing of a lien statement under this section in a manner provided by chapter 554, the uniform commercial code. The secretary shall note the filing of a termination statement with the lien statement.7A lien statement filed under this section shall be a security interest perfected under chapter 554 and subject to the same priority as provided under section 554.9322.8If the grain dealer is also licensed under chapter 203C, and in the event the department is appointed as a receiver under section 203C.3, assets under the authority of the receiver are free from this statutory lien. However, if there are receivership assets in excess of those necessary to fully reimburse depositors, the perfected lien will attach to those excess assets.9aThe board may enforce the lien in the manner provided in chapter 554, article 9, part 6, for the enforcement of security interests. If, upon enforcement of the lien, the lien amount is satisfied in full without exhaustion of the grain dealer assets, the remaining assets shall be returned to the grain dealer or, if there are competing claims to those remaining assets by other creditors, shall place those assets in the custody of the district court and implead the known creditors.bFor purposes of enforcement of the lien, the board is deemed to be the secured party and the grain dealer is deemed to be the debtor, and each has the respective rights and duties of a secured party and a debtor as provided in chapter 554, article 9, part 6. If a right or duty under chapter 554, article 9, part 6, is contingent upon the existence of express language in a security agreement, or may be waived by express language in a security agreement, the requisite language is deemed not to exist for purposes of enforcement of the lien created by this section.10Actions relating to this section shall be brought in the district court in the county in which the grain dealer’s primary place of business is located or in Polk county.92 Acts, ch 1239, §62; 2000 Acts, ch 1149, §163, 187; 2009 Acts, ch 133, §211; 2012 Acts, ch 1095, §92203.12BAppointment of department as receiver.1As used in this section:a“Grain dealer assets” means the same as defined in section 203.12A, including any proceeds from a deficiency bond or irrevocable letter of credit, or any insurance policy relating to those assets.b“Interested seller” means a person who delivers or has delivered grain to a grain dealer who has not been paid as provided in section 203.8 or according to the terms of a credit-sale contract breached by the grain dealer.c“Issuer” means a person who issues a deficiency bond or an irrevocable letter of credit pursuant to section 203.3, or an issuer of grain assets.2aThe department may file a verified petition in district court requesting that the department be appointed as a receiver, and the district court shall appoint the department as receiver, in order to protect interested sellers, if any of the following apply:1The grain dealer’s license is revoked or suspended under section 203.10.2There is evidence that the grain dealer has engaged or is engaging in business under this chapter without obtaining a license as required pursuant to section 203.3.bUpon being appointed as a receiver, the department shall take custody and provide for the disposition of the grain dealer assets of the grain dealer under the supervision of the court.1The petition shall be filed in the county in which the grain dealer maintains its principal place of business in this state. The court may issue ex parte any temporary order as it determines necessary to preserve or protect the grain dealer assets and the rights of interested sellers.2The petition shall be accompanied by the department’s plan for disposition of grain dealer assets which shall provide terms as may be necessary to preserve or protect the grain dealer assets and the rights of interested sellers, less expenses incurred by the department in connection with the receivership. The plan may provide for the delivery or sale of grain as provided in section 203C.4. The plan may provide for the operation of the business of the grain dealer on a temporary basis and any other course of action or procedure which will serve the interests of interested sellers.3The petition shall be filed with the clerk of the district court who shall set a date for a hearing in the same manner as provided in section 203C.3.4Copies of the petition, the notice of hearing, and the department’s plan of disposition shall be delivered to the following:aThe grain dealer and each issuer who shall receive copies delivered in the manner required for service of an original notice.bInterested sellers as determined by the department who shall receive copies delivered by ordinary mail.5The failure of a person to receive the required notification shall not invalidate the proceedings on the petition or any part of the petition for the appointment of the department as the receiver.6A person is not a party to the action unless admitted by the court upon application.3When appointed as a receiver, the department shall publish notice of the appointment in the same manner provided in section 203C.3.4The department may employ or appoint a person to appear on behalf of the department in any proceedings before the court as provided in section 203C.3.5An action of the department shall not be subject to the provisions of chapter 17A. A person employed or appointed by the department as receiver shall be deemed to be an employee of the state as defined in section 669.2. Chapter 669 is applicable to any claim as defined in section 669.2 against the person carrying out the duties of the department acting as receiver.6When the department is appointed as a receiver, the issuer shall be joined as a party, and may be ordered by the court to pay indemnification proceeds, and shall be discharged from further liability as provided in section 203C.4. The department shall provide notice to interested sellers within one hundred twenty days after the date of appointment. A failure of a person to file a timely claim as provided by the department shall defeat the claim, except to the extent of any excess grain dealer assets remaining after all timely claims are paid in full.7If the court approves the sale of grain, the department shall employ or appoint a merchandiser who shall enjoy the same status, exercise the same powers, and receive compensation to the same extent as a merchandiser employed or appointed pursuant to section 203C.4. A person employed or appointed as a merchandiser must meet the following requirements:aBe experienced or knowledgeable in the operation of grain dealers as provided in this chapter.bBe experienced or knowledgeable in the marketing of grain.cNot have had a grain dealer’s license issued pursuant to section 203.3 suspended or revoked as provided in section 203.10.dNot have any pecuniary interest in the grain dealer assets of the grain dealer and not have a business relationship with the grain dealer.8The sale of the grain shall proceed in the same manner as grain sold pursuant to section 203C.4. The department may, with the approval of the court, continue the operation of all or any part of the business of the grain dealer on a temporary basis and take any other course of action or procedure which will serve the interests of interested sellers. The department is entitled to reimbursement out of grain dealer assets for costs directly attributable to the receivership. The department shall be reimbursed from the grain dealer assets in the same manner as provided in section 203C.4. If the approved plan of disposition requires a distribution of cash proceeds, the department shall submit to the court a proposed plan of distribution of those proceeds. The plan shall be approved and executed and the department shall be discharged and the receivership terminated in the same manner as provided in section 203C.4.96 Acts, ch 1030, §2; 2009 Acts, ch 41, §216; 2012 Acts, ch 1095, §93203.13Enforcement officers.Repealed by 2003 Acts, ch 69, §21. 203.14No obligation of state.Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to imply any guarantee or obligation on the part of the state of Iowa, or any of its agencies, employees or officials, either elective or appointive, in respect to any agreement or undertaking to which the provisions of this chapter relate.[C79, 81, §542.14]C93, §203.14203.15Credit-sale contracts.A grain dealer shall not purchase grain by credit-sale contract except as provided in this section.1The grain dealer shall be licensed pursuant to section 203.3. All of the following apply to a grain dealer required to be licensed under that section who purchases grain by credit-sale contract:aThe meaning of “credit-sale contract”, including “deferred-payment contract” or “deferred-pricing contract”, as those terms are defined in section 203.1, shall supersede the meaning of those terms in a contract entered into by a seller and a licensed grain dealer.bThe grain dealer shall provide written notice to the department prior to engaging in the purchase of grain by credit-sale contract. The written notice must contain all of the following:1A statement that the grain dealer is engaging in the purchase of grain by deferred-pricing contract or deferred-payment contract or both.2Any other information required by the department.cThe grain dealer shall maintain credit-sale contract forms in the possession of the grain dealer. The department may require the credit-sale contract forms to distinguish between the purchase of grain by deferred-pricing contract or deferred-payment contract. The credit-sale contract forms must have been permanently and consecutively numbered at the time of printing of the forms. The grain dealer shall maintain an accurate record of all credit-sale contract forms and numbers obtained by that grain dealer. The record must include the disposition of each numbered form, whether by execution, destruction, or otherwise.dThe grain dealer who purchases grain by credit-sale contract shall maintain records as required by the department in compliance with this section. The department may require the grain dealer to account separately for deferred-pricing contracts and deferred-payment contracts.2In addition to other information as may be required, a credit-sale contract shall contain or provide for all of the following:aThe seller’s name and address.bThe conditions of delivery.cThe amount and kind of grain delivered.dThe price per bushel or basis of value.eThe date payment is to be made.fThe duration of the credit-sale contract, which shall not exceed fifteen months from the date the contract is executed.3aIf a grain dealer purchases grain by credit-sale contract, the grain dealer is transferred title to the grain upon the grain’s delivery to the grain dealer. As used in this paragraph, “delivery” means the same as defined in section 203.8.bThe contract must be signed and dated by both parties and executed in duplicate. One copy shall be retained by the grain dealer and one copy shall be delivered to the seller. Upon the cessation of the grain dealer’s license as provided in section 203.10, the payment date for all credit-sale contracts shall be advanced to a date not later than thirty days after the effective date of the cessation, and the purchase price for all unpriced grain shall be determined as of the effective date of the cessation in accordance with all other provisions of the contract. However, if the business of the grain dealer is sold to another licensed grain dealer, credit-sale contracts may be assigned to the purchaser of the business.4A grain dealer shall not purchase grain by credit-sale contract if any of the following apply:aThe grain dealer fails at any time to maintain fifty cents of net worth for each outstanding bushel of grain purchased by credit-sale contract. However, the grain dealer may maintain a deficiency bond or an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of two thousand dollars for each one thousand dollars or fraction thereof of deficiency in net worth.bThe grain dealer is also a warehouse operator licensed by the department of agriculture and land stewardship under chapter 203C or the United States department of agriculture under the United States Warehouse Act, and the warehouse operator fails to have a sufficient quantity or quality of grain to satisfy the warehouse operator’s obligations based on an examination by the department of agriculture and land stewardship or the United States department of agriculture.cThe grain dealer fails to submit to the department the grain dealer’s last financial statement accompanied by an unqualified opinion based upon an audit performed by a certified public accountant licensed in this state as required pursuant to section 203.3.5The department may suspend the right of a grain dealer to purchase grain by credit-sale contract based on any of the following conditions:aThe grain dealer who is also a warehouse operator licensed by the department under chapter 203C or the United States department of agriculture under the United States Warehouse Act does not have a sufficient quantity or quality of grain to satisfy the warehouse operator’s obligations based on an examination by the department or the United States department of agriculture.bThe grain dealer who is also a warehouse operator licensed by the department under chapter 203C or the United States department of agriculture under the United States Warehouse Act issues back to the grain dealer a warehouse receipt for purposes of providing collateral, if the grain which is the subject of the warehouse receipt was purchased on credit and is unpaid for by the grain dealer.cThe grain dealer fails to maintain requirements relating to net worth or fails to maintain a ratio of current assets to current liabilities, as required in section 203.3.dThe grain dealer violates this section.eThe grain dealer’s total liabilities are greater than seventy-five percent of the grain dealer’s total assets.fThe grain dealer has made payment by use of a check or electronic funds transfer, and a financial institution refuses payment because of insufficient funds in a grain dealer’s account.gThe department discovers that a grain dealer has delayed payment for grain purchased since the department last inspected the grain dealer pursuant to section 203.9.6aA grain dealer who purchases grain by credit-sale contract shall obtain from the seller a signed acknowledgment stating that the seller has received a written notice explaining all of the following:1Ordinarily, a person who sells grain to a licensed grain dealer may file a claim with the Iowa grain indemnity fund board for a loss or losses caused by the licensed grain dealer.2For a grain transaction, other than by credit-sale contract, the seller may file a claim for indemnification of ninety percent of a loss.3aFor a credit-sale contract classified as a deferred-pricing contract, the seller may file a claim for indemnification of seventy-five percent of a loss.bThe indemnification limit for all losses is not more than four hundred thousand dollars but may be decreased to three hundred thousand dollars depending upon the extent to which the seller’s loss arose from a deferred-pricing contract.cFor a credit-sale contract classified as a deferred-payment contract, a seller is not eligible to claim a loss for indemnification.bThe form for the acknowledgment shall be prescribed by the department.cThe licensed grain dealer and the seller shall each be provided a copy of the acknowledged form.[C71, 73, 75, 77, §543.17; C79, 81, §542.8, 543.17; 81 Acts, ch 180, §12]C83, §542.1585 Acts, ch 234, §3; 86 Acts, ch 1152, §9; 87 Acts, ch 147, §4; 89 Acts, ch 143, §403; 92 Acts, ch 1239, §63, 64C93, §203.1599 Acts, ch 106, §7; 2003 Acts, ch 69, §8 – 11; 2008 Acts, ch 1083, §6, 7; 2009 Acts, ch 41, §80; 2009 Acts, ch 133, §212; 2012 Acts, ch 1095, §94 – 98; 2023 Acts, ch 154, §6, 19; 2025 Acts, ch 105, §6, 7Unnumbered paragraph 1 amendedSubsections 1, 3, 4, and 6 amended203.16Confidentiality of records.Notwithstanding chapter 22, all financial statements of grain dealers under this chapter shall be kept confidential by the department and its agents and employees and are not subject to disclosure except as follows:1Upon waiver by the licensee.2In actions or administrative proceedings commenced under this chapter or chapter 203C.3Disclosure to the Iowa grain indemnity fund board in regard to licensees who present liability to the fund.4When required by subpoena or court order.5Disclosure to law enforcement agencies in regard to the detection and prosecution of public offenses.6When released to a bonding company approved by the department, or released to the United States department of agriculture or any of its divisions.7Where released at the request of the Iowa accountancy examining board for licensee review and discipline in accordance with chapters 272C and 542 and subject to the confidentiality requirements of section 272C.6.[81 Acts, ch 180, §13]C83, §542.1683 Acts, ch 101, §1; 89 Acts, ch 143, §601C93, §203.1699 Acts, ch 106, §8; 2001 Acts, ch 55, §23, 382024 Acts, ch 1170, §248203.17Documents and records.1The department may adopt rules specifying the form, content, use, and maintenance of documents issued by a grain dealer under this chapter including but not limited to scale weight tickets, settlement sheets, daily position records, and credit-sale contracts. The department may adopt rules for both printed and electronic documents, including rules for the transmission, receipt, authentication, and archiving of electronically generated or stored documents.2All scale weight ticket forms in the possession of a grain dealer shall have been permanently and consecutively numbered at the time of printing. A grain dealer shall maintain an accurate record of all scale weight ticket numbers. The record shall include the disposition of each numbered form, whether issued, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of.[81 Acts, ch 180, §14]C83, §542.17C93, §203.172003 Acts, ch 69, §12; 2008 Acts, ch 1083, §8; 2023 Acts, ch 154, §7, 19203.18Reserved.203.19Cooperative agreements.1Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, the department may enter into cooperative agreements with other states for the purpose of making available to those states the information acquired under the bonding, licensing, and examination procedures of this chapter.2If a cooperative agreement is in effect under this section, the indemnification requirements of this chapter may be satisfied by filing with the department evidence of a bond or an irrevocable letter of credit on file with a state or of participation in an indemnity fund in a state with which Iowa has a cooperative agreement as provided for by this section.3aIndemnification proceeds shall be copayable to the state of Iowa for the benefit of sellers of grain under this chapter.bIndemnification proceeds required by this chapter may be made copayable to any state with whom this state has entered into contracts or agreements as authorized by this section, for the benefit of sellers of grain in that state.[81 Acts, ch 180, §16]C83, §542.1986 Acts, ch 1152, §11C93, §203.192009 Acts, ch 41, §263; 2010 Acts, ch 1069, §25203.20Shrinkage adjustments disclosures penalties.1A person who, in connection with the receipt of grain for storage, processing, or sale, adjusts the scale weight of the grain to compensate for the moisture content of the grain shall compute the amount of the adjustment by multiplying the scale weight of the grain by that factor which results in a rate of adjustment of one and eighteen hundredths percent of weight per one percent of moisture content. The person who uses any rate of weight adjustment for moisture content other than the one prescribed by this subsection commits a fraudulent practice as defined in section 714.8. The person shall post on the business premises in a conspicuous place notice of the rate of adjustment for moisture content as prescribed by this subsection. The person who fails to make this disclosure commits a simple misdemeanor.2A person who, in connection with the receipt of grain for storage, processing, or sale, adjusts the quantity of the grain received to compensate for losses to be incurred during the handling, processing, or storage of the grain shall post on the business premises in a conspicuous place notice of the rate of adjustment to be made for this shrinkage. The person who fails to make this disclosure commits a simple misdemeanor.3A person who adjusts the scale weight of grain for moisture content and for handling, processing, or storage losses may combine the two adjustment factors into a single factor and may use this resulting factor to compute the amount of weight adjustment in connection with storage, processing, or sale transactions, provided that the person shall post on the business premises in a conspicuous place a notice that discloses the moisture shrinkage factor prescribed by subsection 1, the handling shrinkage factor to be imposed, and the single factor that results from combining these factors. The person who fails to make this disclosure commits a simple misdemeanor.[81 Acts, ch 180, §17]C83, §542.20C93, §203.202023 Acts, ch 154, §8, 19203.21Reserved.203.22Prioritization of inspections of grain dealers.The department shall develop a system to prioritize the inspections of grain dealers provided in section 203.9. The system of prioritization shall be computed each year based on the risk of loss to the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund caused by the possible insolvency of the grain dealer. The department shall compute the risk by utilizing an available statistical model to measure the financial condition of grain dealers, and especially grain dealers who execute credit-sale contracts. Procedures for utilizing the statistical model shall be adopted by department rules. The statistical model shall be used to provide risk ratings. A risk rating shall be used as a factor by the department to prioritize its inspection schedule. The department may use a risk rating produced by the statistical model as justification to inspect the grain dealer at any time. A substantial risk of loss to the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund caused by the possible insolvency of the grain dealer based on the statistical model shall be good cause.92 Acts, ch 1239, §65