The Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) recently assisted in recovering over $145,000 worth of stolen agricultural equipment and goods in a series of investigations spanning several counties.
The first recovery occurred following a report on April 30, 2025, when the Brandon Police Department received a complaint regarding a 2022 4WD Kubota M6060 tractor that had been stolen using a fraudulent check. That same day, MALTB joined the investigation and, with the assistance of the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department, successfully recovered the tractor in Claiborne County on May 3. An arrest connected to this case was made with help from the Grenada Police Department and the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana.
In another case, on May 6, MALTB investigators recovered a KBH fertilizer tender reported stolen from Humphreys County. The tender, valued at $80,000, also contained $15,000 worth of fertilizer at the time of the theft. It was located in Madison County, where the investigation is still ongoing.
In a separate investigation on May 14, MALTB agents located and recovered two dump trailers and one enclosed trailer, collectively valued at approximately $50,000.
All three investigations are active and ongoing, according to officials.
MALTB Director Dean Barnard is urging the public to report any suspicious agricultural activity. Tips can be shared with local law enforcement, the Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau at 1-800-678-2660, or Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous, and individuals may be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest and conviction.
The MALTB, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, is responsible for investigating thefts related to livestock, farm equipment, chemicals, timber, and other agriculture-related crimes.
