Business

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.

January 20, 2026 03:39 PM • 
Marion Kirkpatrick, RFD NEWS STAFF

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
N0qxUSjU.jpg
Washington Policy
Sen. Marshall: 45Z Tax Credit Now Limits Eligibility for Biofuel Made from Imported Waste Oils
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas discusses expected changes to the 45Z tax credit and what they could mean for agriculture and rural America.
February 04, 2026 11:13 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Roasted chicken wings in barbecue sauce with sesame seeds and parsley in a baking tray on a dark table_Photo by Vasiliy via AdobeStock_247268324.jpg
Food & Drink
Americans Expected to Consume 1.48 Billion Super Bowl Wings
Strong seasonal demand and manageable production growth continue to support poultry markets.
February 03, 2026 01:35 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
usda logo.png
USDA
USDA: Secretaries Rubio, Rollins Release Joint Statement on U.S.-Mexico 1944 Water Treaty
Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
February 03, 2026 01:10 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
jZxZ0TYI.jpg
Rural Lifestyle
Vice Grip Garage
Vice Grip Garage rescues and restores old metal while having fun along the way, finding classic autos, motorcycles, and tractors hiding in barns and garages across the country.

February 03, 2026 12:55 PM
20160602_072042.jpg
Business
Updated 45Z Rules Shift Biofuel Incentives Toward Feedstocks
Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
February 03, 2026 12:39 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
IMG_9215.jpg
Livestock
Smaller Calf Crop Tightens Cattle Pipeline into 2027
Even small declines in the calf crop translate into sustained supply pressure, supporting cattle prices over multiple years.
February 03, 2026 12:22 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Load More

Food Prices & Inflation Right to Repair Ag Equipment Environmental Law Land & Water Management
Marion Kirkpatrick
Marion Kirkpatrick
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:

corn grain silo stock photo_input costs and producer inflation_adobe stock.png
Rural Health
Specialty Risk Insurance and Nationwide Join Forces to Champion Grain Bin Safety at CattleCon 2026
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
February 10, 2026 03:57 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Aerial of cargo ship carrying container for export cargo from cargo yard port to other ocean concept smart freight shipping ship front view_Photo by Yellow Boat via AdobeStock_1601867486.jpg
Trade
U.S. Grain Shipments Steady Despite Trade and Freight Uncertainty
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney outlines the Trump Administration’s current trade priorities and what meaningful market expansion looks like for farmers.
February 10, 2026 03:08 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
QlUvhZGs.jpg
Agriculture
Building the Ag Workforce: Inside Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture’s Veterinary Technology Program
Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
February 10, 2026 02:27 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Abandoned Midwest Barn. Weathered and worn red barn on an abandoned farm in the American Midwest.
Business
Larger Loans, Rising Bankruptcy: USDA Aid Coming, but Losses Continue to Outpace Relief
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
February 10, 2026 01:35 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
WASDE REPORT GRAPHIC
Trade
WASDE Preview: Limited Price Fireworks in February, But Big Questions for 2026 Acres
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
February 10, 2026 01:11 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
texas farming stock photo_adobe stock.png
Livestock
Texas to Receive Much-Needed Water Payments from Mexico as Screwworm Threat Looms Over Herd Rebuild
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey was in Mission, Texas, where state and federal officials addressed growers and producers at a round table event hosted at a citrus grower’s facility. He shows us how welcome news was all around.
February 10, 2026 12:05 PM
 · 
Frank McCaffrey
Load More