(Zach Lahn - KIWA Staff Photo)Sioux County, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn is defending his running mate, Derek Wulf, following financial difficulties that included a Sioux County court judgement over unpaid livestock invoices.
In an interview with reporters, Lahn was asked what he knew about Wulf’s financial situation when selecting him as his lieutenant governor candidate.
Lahn said he has previously addressed the issue and acknowledged some aspects of the situation could have handled differently. He argued that Wulf’s experience reflects broader financial challenges facing agriculture.
Lahn also attributed Wulf’s difficulties to the loss of a line of credit.
Sioux County Judgment Paid in Full
According to court records, Four County Pig Placement Inc., a Sioux Center feeder-pig brokerage, filed a civil lawsuit against Wulf in February.
The petition alleged that Wulf, doing business as Shallow Creek Land and Livestock, received 2,189 feeder pigs in October 2025 and failed to pay two invoices totaling $182,244.70.
After no response was filed, the court entered a default judgment on April 16th for the full amount, plus court costs and interest.
A debtor examination hearing was held July 13th after the judgment remained unpaid. During that hearing, the brokerage’s attorney indicated a wire payment was pending.
A satisfaction and release was filed the following day, indicating the judgment had been paid in full.
Wulf later said refinancing had been secured for the farm operation and described those financial challenges as part of the reason he joined the Republican ticket.
The Sioux County judgment was not the only financial dispute involving Wulf’s operation. In September, a judge placed the farm business under the control of a management firm after missed refinancing deadlines in a case brought by WCF Financial. The bank alleged defaults on multiple loans.
Lahn’s campaign has said the disputes have been resolved or are nearing resolution and has denied allegations of fraud or theft.
Lahn Outlines Agricultural Proposals
When asked how he would help struggling farmers, Lahn pointed to increasing competition in agricultural markets and said Iowa should pursue more antitrust enforcement.
Lahn also said he would like to see Iowa farms provide a larger share of the food served in public schools and supports changes to federal purchasing rules, along with expanded access to economic development incentives for family farms.
Lahn and Wulf face Democrat Rob Sand and running mate Dave Muhlbauer in the Nov. 3rd election.
