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

FarmHER

Sherry Saylor

Visit a classroom to see how students learn about agriculture. Then, travel to an urban farm run by a university.

April 10, 2020 04:18 PM

American Heroes

Report shows ethanol industry driven by veterans (2020)

March 25, 2020 12:49 PM

May is National Beef Month!

Throwback: Just an Aussie Steer Named Knickers

February 27, 2020 04:10 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Rural Lifestyle

Third grader wins statewide prize in Colorado for growing massive cabbage

January 07, 2020 01:54 PM

FarmHER

Katharine Girone

FarmHER Katharine Girone is a fifth-generation Illinois farmer and the 2018 #RootedInAg contest winner.

November 01, 2019 04:29 PM

FarmHER

FarmHer Season Four

Amanda Freund

Gas is where it’s at on FarmHER Amanda Freund’s family dairy in Connecticut! Learn more about a family of innovators who care about sustainability.

October 04, 2019 12:49 PM

FarmHER

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:

Rural Money

Rural Money: The Big Beautiful Bill + Ag Real Estate

Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us now with the highlights.

July 16, 2025 04:32 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Rural Lifestyle

ARFB helps teachers “beef up” back-to-school season with ag education workshops

The Arkansas Farm Bureau offers a ‘Beef in the Classroom’ grant to assist with ag education. Applications for that program open in August.

July 16, 2025 03:01 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Spend a Minute with the Experts!

AARP: Making it Harder for the Crooks

Seth Boffeli, AARP Fraud Watch Network Senior Advisor, brings us a preview of tonight’s “RURAL AMERICA LIVE with AARP,” which will focus on tips for fighting fraud.

July 16, 2025 02:25 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

U.S. Farm Bill

Senate Democrats Ask Ag Leaders to Choose—Pass a Farm Bill or Fight Prop-12?

A group of 32 Democratic senators is urging ag lawmakers to halt their opposition to Prop 12 in the next Farm Bill.

July 16, 2025 01:59 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Rural Health

Rural Road Safety: Nationwide outlines hazards drivers often overlook in rural areas

In honor of Rural Road Safety Week, we’re highlighting some commonly overlooked hazards on rural roads, where 40 percent of all fatal crashes in the United States occur.

July 16, 2025 01:29 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

USDA

Animal Health Network gets $10 million federal funding boost

The network includes labs across the country that track diseases like New World Screwworm, which could see a rise in cases with hurricane season approaching.

July 16, 2025 01:03 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.