SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - VeraSun Energy Corp. on Friday said it has paid for, or will pay for, substantially all corn delivered in the 20 days prior to the ethanol producer's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, as well as corn delivered since.

The Sioux Falls, S.D., company's statement did not say whether it was paying contracted or market prices for the grain deliveries.

"VeraSun Energy values the relationships with our corn suppliers and recognizes their vital role to our business," it said in a statement. "We continue to work with suppliers while we pursue long-term financing."

VeraSun filed for bankruptcy protection Oct. 31 after it bet wrong in the commodities markets. The company last week reported a third-quarter net loss of $476.1 million, or $3.03 per share, compared to a profit of $7.8 million, or 9 cents per share, during the same period last year.

VeraSun said bankruptcy code precludes payment for any goods delivered before Oct. 11, affecting about 10 corn producers with balances totaling about $360,000. The company said it has paid more than $9 million this month for corn delivered prior to its bankruptcy filing.

VeraSun said it will need to reject some corn contracts for delivery through the end of the year at its Janesville, Minn., and Welcome, Minn., plants due to the delayed startups.