News  Agriculture  Livestock

Stray Voltage Case Raises Legal and Insurance Questions for Dairy Producers

Farm legal expert Roger McEowen highlights the legal challenges surrounding stray voltage, a recent court decision, and what it means for agricultural producers.

April 01, 2026 12:23 PM • 
Marion Kirkpatrick, RFD NEWS STAFF
Electric transmission lines on an easement cut through a forest in a rural area By KQ Ferris via Adobe Stock.png

Photo By KQ Ferris via Adobe Stock

TOPEKA, KANSAS (RFD NEWS) — The effects of stray voltage in agriculture are well-documented, but the legal challenges that follow can be far less clear. A recent case involving a dairy farm highlighted those complexities after a sudden operational decline tied to an electrical issue.

Farm legal expert Roger McEowen joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to break down the case and its implications for producers.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, McEowen provided background on the case and outlined the key factors that contributed to the court’s decision. He also explained that the situation highlights what he calls a “catch-22” for many farmers facing stray voltage concerns.

Finally, McEowen emphasized several takeaways for producers facing similar electrical issues, focusing on what operations should keep in mind moving forward.

READ MORE: Navigating the Legal Complexities of Stray Voltage and Insurance Claims

Related Stories
XH79lned.jpg
Livestock
Dairy leaders are focusing on moving the industry forward in 2025
July 15, 2025 12:17 PM
Ice Cream 1280x720.jpg
Livestock
USDA: Ice cream makers to phase out artificial colors by 2028
July 14, 2025 02:56 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
pmITWSwN.jpg
Trade
Sec. Rollins shuts down livestock trade at U.S. southern border ports due to NWS case in Mexico
July 10, 2025 09:31 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
V9k8Fhmk.jpg
News
Texas Cattle Feeders Association applauds Sec. Rollins’s New World screwworm prevention plans
“I want to say thank you to Sec. Brooke Rollins for using the science-based... information and making a good sound decision.”
July 09, 2025 11:31 AM
UzMuhliL.jpg
News
“A Total Oxymoron": Dairy groups take aim at ‘dairy-free butter’
July 08, 2025 02:01 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
pBLflEHg.jpg
News
Affordable prices at the pump and 45Z extensions are leading to record number of road trips
July 08, 2025 11:00 AM
Load More

Dairy Energy Insurance Ag Education & Resources Business Planning
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:

Chapman-Brent.png
Meet the Bass Pro Anglers
Meet the Anglers: Brent Chapman
October 15, 2025 01:47 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
YaAbdPhW.jpg
FarmHER + RanchHER
COMING SOON: Meet The Frozen Farmer, FarmHER Katey Jo Evans
FarmHER Katey Jo Evans joins us to share her journey from farm wife to entrepreneur and advocate for reducing food waste.
October 15, 2025 12:40 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
D2zzFWW5.jpg
Trade
President Trump Threatens ‘Retribution’ with China Over Soybean Trade
China is not one of our top suppliers of cooking oil, according to USDA ERS data, but does export a lot of used cooking oil to the U.S. for biofuel production.
October 15, 2025 12:13 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
FhMzBRdI.jpg
Business
Dairy Investments Aim to Brighten Outlook for Struggling Producers
Industry leaders say $11 billion in new investments could turn the tide as dairy producers face shrinking margins and growing uncertainty.
October 15, 2025 11:53 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
gUQ5dyah.jpg
USDA
Export Inspection Data Still Flowing Despite Government Shutdown
Export Inspections In Bushels Show Mixed Momentum Patterns
October 15, 2025 11:38 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
7Qu5MZwj.jpg
Business
Small Business Optimism Dips; Rural Signals Turn Mixed
Expect firmer shop prices, leaner inventories, and selective hiring in ag-adjacent businesses — plan parts, service, and financing needs earlier.
October 15, 2025 11:35 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
Load More
Agriculture Shows
CLAAS-OutsideCorporateBuilding_1920x1080.jpg
TopCrop_CombineWLogo_1920x1080.jpg
ChampionsOfRuralAmerica_Header-v01b_1920x1080.jpg
FarmTraveler_HdrGrphcWNewCropLogo_1920x1080.jpg
CLAAS: Made for More
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
Top Crop
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.