The state Agriculture Department says a total of $45,000 has been repaid to two livestock producers who were owed money by a former Valley City dealer.

Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson says a court order signed Aug. 17, authorizes his department to pay two bond claims against Sommers Livestock, also known as the Triple S Cattle Co., Inc.

Johnson says the two producers received 79 percent of their original claims.

Johnson issued a cease and desist order against Sommers Livestock in March, saying auditors had found indications that payments had not been made on time. Johnson said the order is still in effect, preventing the company and its owner, Arlen Sommers, from selling and dealing in livestock in North Dakota.

- Associated Press