Stray Voltage Case Raises Legal and Insurance Questions for Dairy Producers

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.

Related Stories

Livestock

Milk producers green light Federal Milk Marketing Order changes

January 21, 2025 11:21 AM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Crops

Cotton growers say the upcoming financial assistance can’t come soon enough

January 21, 2025 11:10 AM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Sustainability

American Coalition for Ethanol welcomes USDA’s interim rule for climate-smart crops as biofuel feedstocks

January 17, 2025 02:14 PM

Feel Good Stories

In celebration of two decades of Farm Rescue, let’s meet the man who made it all happen!

January 17, 2025 01:55 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Feel Good Stories

Saving What Saved Them: Compton Cowboys is assisting in horse evacuations amid California wildfires

January 17, 2025 01:21 PM

Currey McCullough

News

Why have fuel prices been rocky and higher?

January 17, 2025 10:36 AM

RFD NEWS STAFF

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:

Machinery

The world’s largest agriculture drone can now hit U.S. fields

September 08, 2025 11:44 AM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Major League Fishing

MLF Angler Nick Lebrun Breaks Down What to Expect from the Upcoming Heritage Cup

September 08, 2025 10:31 AM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Weather News

USDA Announces $221.2 Million Grant to Cover Ag Losses in NC

The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.

September 05, 2025 05:09 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Rural Lifestyle

What Really Wins a Blue Ribbon? Behind the Scenes at the Tennessee State Fair

The Tennessee State Fair features a variety of attractions, including rides, tasty foods, and dozens of agricultural competitions to enter and win. But what goes into picking achievements in each category?

September 05, 2025 01:48 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Washington Policy

Ranchers support removing Endangered Species Act protections for Mexican wolves

Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.

September 05, 2025 01:21 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Markets

CoBank: Fewer replacement heifers could mean trouble for U.S. milk supplies

Co-Bank Lead Dairy Economist, Corey Geiger, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report for a further look at the drop in replacement heifers and the trend’s longterm impact on dairy producers and cattle prices.

September 05, 2025 12:40 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

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.