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

USDA

USDA Announces Funding for Veteran Farmers

October 15, 2020 11:40 AM

FFA Convention 2023

The five symbols of the FFA emblem

September 03, 2020 11:57 AM

Rural Lifestyle

Tips for planning your fall landscape projects

LSU AgCenter’s Heather Kirk-Ballard shares how summertime is a great time to prepare for and plan out any large landscape projects you have for the fall.

August 12, 2020 11:54 AM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Celebrating the USPS

Photo Gallery: USPS railways from the 1900s

August 06, 2020 10:58 AM

Food & Drink

Virginia’s Artisan and Farmstead Cheese Boom

June 25, 2020 01:34 PM

Farm Monitor

Inside Decimal Place Farm’s Georgia goat cheese operation

May 28, 2020 03:37 PM

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:

Weather News

Lawmakers call for improved forecasting after deadly Texas floods

Congress is seeking insight from meteorologists and weather researchers on how new technology can enhance safety and response times to severe weather and prevent future disasters.

July 17, 2025 01:26 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Immigration

Labor Secretary: H-2A program changes aimed to help American farmers

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer says the labor program will now be fully under her department, and consolidation will make the program more affordable and efficient for farmers and ranchers.

July 17, 2025 12:12 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

FarmHER + RanchHER

Apple FarmHER celebrates her family farm’s 100th anniversary on Dirt Diaries!

FarmHER Kait Thornton joined us on Thursday on the Market Day Report to talk about the podcast episode, her family orchard’s 100th anniversary + more!

July 17, 2025 11:53 AM

Marion Kirkpatrick

FarmHER + RanchHER

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE: New FarmHER episode premieres Thursday on RFD-TV Now!

Tennessee FarmHER Bridget Bryant’s porch garden evolves into a sprawling community outreach project that provides fresh produce to those in need and teaches urban kids how to grow their own food.

July 17, 2025 11:28 AM

Marion Kirkpatrick

News

Women in Agribusiness Spotlights RMG Leadership

“We’re living in a moment of massive change—in agriculture, in media, and in leadership . . .”

July 17, 2025 10:32 AM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Rural Health Matters

Rural Health Matters: Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joins us to discuss the signs and symptoms of cataracts, as well as the available treatment options.

July 16, 2025 04:36 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.