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
Drone quadcopter in corn field green on sunset and hill background, Photography technology for agricultural purposes, and capturing high-angle shots.
Firm to Farm
Firm to Farm: The “Plain View” Doctrine and Drones
Farm legal and taxation expert Roger McEowen discusses the rise of drone technology in agriculture and how the ”plain view” doctrine could inform future regulatory law and insurance inspections of farmland.
April 27, 2025 03:50 PM
 · 
Roger A. McEowen
qHtwnzim.jpg
News
Ethanol output is the highest it’s been in almost a month!
April 25, 2025 01:16 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
white dogwood trees_Photo by Michele via AdobeStock_315811666.jpg
Sustainability
Interested in Arbor Day? You might find free trees to plant in your area
Learn more about the history of Arbor Day, what trees are best for your backyard or farm, and how to find free ones that you can plant!
April 25, 2025 11:18 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
eia insight 1280.jpg
News
The two cases of EIA in Colorado horses are “actually very unique cases”
April 24, 2025 11:52 AM
vd96FB9W.jpg
Livestock
Milk Makeover: Dairy industry voluntarily removes artificial colors from milk in public schools
April 23, 2025 09:45 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
42wKtRfu.jpg
News
What are some key aspects to keep in mind to make sure you keep your family’s farm legacy going?
April 22, 2025 01:47 PM
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:

NHXRGTAw.jpg
Rural Health Matters
Rural Health Matters: Staying Ahead of Cold and Flu Season
As flu season closes in, Dr. Gold outlines the steps to take when you get sick — including resting, staying hydrated, and knowing when to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
October 01, 2025 03:57 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
Cristen Clark_FarmHER S1_Ep 11
Agriculture
Farmer Sentiment Drops As Many Producers Face Another Year of Losses
Jeramy Stephens, with National Land Realty, says that despite today’s economic headwinds, farmland remains a resilient asset — and understanding local conditions is key to making sound decisions.
October 01, 2025 03:42 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
President Trump 2025 1280x720.jpg
Trade
Trump Sounds Off on Soybeans, U.S.-China Trade on Truth Social
“MAKE SOYBEANS, AND OTHER ROW CROPS, GREAT AGAIN!”
October 01, 2025 02:53 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
FarmHER-RanchHer_s07e05-ChristinaWoernerMcInnis-NOLOGOS_1920x1080.jpg
FarmHER + RanchHER
COMING SOON: Meet the FarmHER Ready to Lead Alabama Agriculture
FarmHER Christina Woerner McInnis joined us to discuss the next episode of “FarmHER + RanchHER” and her decision to run for Alabama Ag Commissioner.
October 01, 2025 01:22 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
GihbIvgV.jpg
Livestock
Pork Industry Bolsters Biosecurity Against Growing Threat of African Swine Fever
The U.S. pork industry is staying vigilant in keeping its supply safe from foreign animal diseases like African Swine Fever.
October 01, 2025 01:09 PM
 · 
Lily Raby
qvU8tXjg.jpg
Trade
Taiwan Purchase Pledge Spurs USDA Agriculture Trade Mission
Taiwan’s pledge to expand imports strengthens export prospects for U.S. row crops, livestock products, and specialty commodities, while the USDA’s broader trade push seeks to diversify farm markets globally.
October 01, 2025 12:47 PM
 · 
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.