Agridime Ordered To Pay Millions In Cattle Ponzi Scheme

It’s the Ranch It Up Radio Show Herd It Here Weekly Report!  A 3-minute look at cattle markets, reports, news info, or anything that has to do with those of us who live at the end of dirt roads.  Join Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt, the Boss Lady Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' by subscribing on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 86 DETAILS Agridime Order To Pay Millions In Cattle Ponzi Scheme A Texas federal court has issued a final judgment against Agridime LLC, a Fort Worth-based company, permanently banning it from commodity trading. The ruling also mandates the company to pay more than $102.9 million in restitution to defrauded customers, according to recent court documents. CFTC Alleges $161 Million Cattle Investment Fraud The final judgment stems from a May 2024 complaint filed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The CFTC alleged that Agridime, along with co-founders Joshua Link and Jed Wood, orchestrated a cattle investment scheme that defrauded over 2,000 individuals out of approximately $161 million. According to the CFTC, Agridime falsely marketed cattle investment opportunities by promising annual returns between 15% and 32% on $2,000 cattle purchases. The company allegedly used funds from new customers to pay existing investors, a structure that resembles a classic Ponzi scheme. Insider Commissions and Misuse of Funds Revealed The court filings also revealed that Agridime insiders diverted approximately $11 million in undisclosed commissions. These insider payments were never disclosed to investors, contributing further to the scheme’s deception and financial harm to participants. Agridime Settles Case Without Admitting or Denying Allegations Agridime LLC settled the case with the CFTC without admitting or denying the allegations. As part of the settlement, the company agreed to: Permanent injunctive relief Waiver of its right to appeal A permanent ban from commodity trading Prohibition on soliciting investment funds or acting in any CFTC-registered capacity A ban on publicly denying the CFTC’s allegations The company must also ensure that all employees and agents comply with the judgment’s terms. Agridime Banned from Commodity Markets for Good With the court's final ruling, Agridime is permanently banned from participating in any form of commodity trading. This includes solicitation of funds, registration with the CFTC, and any related investment activity. The CFTC emphasized that the company’s future conduct will be closely monitored to ensure compliance. REFERENCE: https://meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/119607 Upcoming Bull & Heifer Sales On RanchChannel.Com Lot’s of bull and heifer sales coming up on the RanchChannel.Com sale calendar.  Check out the full line up HERE. SPONSORS American Gelbvieh Association https://gelbvieh.org/ @AmericanGelbvieh Axiota Animal Health https://axiota.com/ @MultiminUSA Jorgensen Land & Cattle https://jorgensenfarms.com/ @JorLandCat Ranch Channel https://ranchchannel.com/ @RanchChannel Superior Livestock Auctions https://superiorlivestock.com/ @SuperiorLivestockAuctions Wulf Cattle https://www.wulfcattle.com/ @WulfCattle Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email [email protected] FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/ Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Because of Tigger & BEC... Live This Western Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/