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
Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
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.

Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
Even small declines in the calf crop translate into sustained supply pressure, supporting cattle prices over multiple years.
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.
Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Batey joined us with the latest on biosecurity efforts and the state’s new “Know Before You Show” initiative.

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:

Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
SharkFarmer host Rob Sharkey takes us on a tour of the John Deere showcase on the trade show floor of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville.
Twisted Skillet’s Cantina Peanuts are a crispy bar snack made with raw Spanish peanuts, fried up with garlic, chile de árbol, and crunchy tortilla bits, creating a classic, savory Mexican “botana” or appetizer.
Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions provides remote water-monitoring technology to help ranchers manage livestock water more efficiently.
Jones Hamilton Company shares insights on herd health, efficiency, and innovation for cattle producers this year at NCBA CattleCon in Nashville.