Key Legal Cases Impact Machinery, Meatpacking, and Land Use Rights

From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The countdown of the “Top 10” agricultural law developments from 2025 continues, highlighting legal issues from property rights to input regulations that could impact farmers and ranchers in the year ahead.

Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to explain how two antitrust cases and changes to NEPA last year will shape the future of ag policy.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, McEowen discussed antitrust issues in agriculture, including the right-to-repair movement and settlements in the meatpacking industry, noting a shift in 2025 toward market competition and producer autonomy. He also reviewed how the Farm Act built on this momentum.

The conversation then turned to a landmark Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act, with McEowen explaining the decision’s background and significance. He also addressed what the ruling could mean for traditional land-use rights moving forward.

READ MORE: Firm to Farm

Related Stories
The conference helps members develop leadership skills while creating plans to serve their communities.
University of Illinois’ Dr. Matthew Wheeler discusses developing insulin-producing dairy cows and the potential of livestock biotechnology to address future healthcare challenges.
Illinois Pork Producers Association’s Jennifer Tirey recaps the World Pork Expo, key issues facing pork producers, and efforts to restore pork options in Chicago Public Schools.
OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh discusses a new bipartisan surface transportation bill, industry efforts to address regulatory concerns, investments in truck parking and freight infrastructure, and the outlook for transportation policy.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Producers say limited moisture is creating major challenges for crops and irrigation heading into summer.
Mike Stranz joins us to discuss farm safety net reforms, NFU’s proposed IMSET program, and the challenges facing family farmers nationwide.
The investigation does not prove wrongdoing, but it raises federal scrutiny of a major cost center for crop producers.
For decades, U.S. agriculture has planned around feeding a growing world. Experts say that trend could reverse course in the next 30 years.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum says agriculture still needs to see U.S. products actively moving into China.
The pricing signals come as biofuel and corn groups continue to press Congress for permanent nationwide E15 access.