Overview

• Steven “Steve” McBee Sr. pleaded guilty in November 2024 to one count of federal crop insurance fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
• He admitted to selling more than 1.2 million bushels of corn and nearly 416,000 bushels of soybeans as part of the scheme, prosecutors said.
• He faces a statutory maximum of up to 30 years in federal prison, though the specific sentence will be determined at a later hearing.
• Recent coverage notes an FBI review of the 2018–2020 crop years and says records were turned over, with family members describing significant personal strain.
• While he awaits sentencing, his sons say they are running McBee Farm & Cattle Co., with Steven Jr. leading as CEO and the meat business, Cole overseeing the farm, and Jesse managing construction and city operations.