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
Herd of curious Thoroughbred mares horse equine_Photo by Mark J. Barrett via AdobeStock_485440294.jpg
USDA
Sid Miller responds to USDA’s postponed Horse Protection Act final rule
April 09, 2025 12:23 PM
 · 
Currey McCullough
LzkVa2Rs.jpg
USDA
USDA is cracking down on imports of used cooking oil
April 09, 2025 12:14 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
NdRFEg87.jpg
Rural Lifestyle
Oscar of Teaching: Rachel Kinsaul received the Milken Educator Award
April 08, 2025 02:19 PM
P1dU7it2.jpg
Business
Gas prices may be hurting your wallet, but it’s short-lived
April 08, 2025 10:40 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
wtCtjyww.jpg
National FFA Organization
Let’s meet an FFA student who wants to make a difference in lives using dairy
April 03, 2025 11:42 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
whole milk in schools 1280 (1).jpg
News
Sen Marshall weighs in on the importance of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act
“Whole milk is not the problem, whole milk is part of the solution.”
April 02, 2025 12:30 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:

usda logo.png
USDA
USDA Announces $38.3M Grant Agreement to Cover Ag Losses Due to Hurricane Helene in South Carolina
Under this agreement, SCDA will administer a program covering infrastructure and timber losses, as well as future economic and market losses.
September 30, 2025 04:31 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
vZIRUSox.jpg
Business
Producers Address China Pullback, Big Crop at Export Sorghum 2025
With China’s pullback, U.S. sorghum producers must broaden their export markets. Building connections now could help stabilize prices and demand for the upcoming larger crop.
September 30, 2025 04:23 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
OIp8h4CB.jpg
Business
Finding Common Ground: Empowering Global Collaboration with Women in Agribusiness
Sergio Bortolozzo, President of the Brazilian Rural Society, discusses the importance of global collaboration and innovation in empowering women in the agricultural sector.
September 30, 2025 03:35 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
zH6XeD25.jpg
Business
Making An Impact: Creating Meaningful Spaces to Learn with Women in Agribusiness
Malone, Senior Director of Trade Execution at Bunge, emphasized the importance of spaces where women can engage in meaningful conversations about global trade, supply chains, and leadership opportunities.
September 30, 2025 03:16 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
E8DPveIP.jpg
California Bountiful
Discover a ‘Bountiful’ Selection of Farm-Fresh Goods and Gifts for Fall
Aubrey Aquino, producer and host of California Bountiful, joined us Tuesday to talk about their project, “Bountiful Finds.”
September 30, 2025 02:50 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
fAFRewkc.jpg
Livestock
Dairy Feeling Price Pressures, But Producers Staying Cautiously Optimistic
Alan Bjerga, with the National Milk Producers Federation, joined us on Tuesday from Wisconsin with his Dairy Industry Outlook.
September 30, 2025 01:27 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
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.