Missouri auditor reviewing rules for grain deals

JEFFERSON CITY — State Auditor Susan Montee is reviewing the Missouri Department of Agriculture after two alleged grain fraud schemes cost farmers tens of millions of dollars.

Montee said Wednesday the audit will focus on the department's Grain Regulatory Services program. Agriculture officials requested the audit, which will include recommendations that could help spot fraud sooner and help farmers recover financial losses.

This year, a grain dealer in northwest Missouri was charged in a theft scheme in which farmers were owed $3.5 million and received about 12 cents on the dollar. And a northeast Missouri dealer was charged in a scheme that prosecutors say could cost farmers up to $50 million.