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
hvV9zipR.jpg
U.S. Farm Bill
Agriculture Industry Reacts to House Ag Committee’s ‘Farm Bill 2.0' Draft
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
February 17, 2026 12:16 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Gail_Starkweather_10_22_15_USA_IA_Starkweather_Farm_051.jpg
Trade
Grain Transportation Mixed as Costs Edge Higher Nationwide
Adequate transportation capacity exists, but fuel costs and soft river demand could widen basis risk.
February 16, 2026 05:00 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
two men working in aquaculture at a fishery fish farm
Aquaculture
U.S. Catfish Sales Edge Higher Despite Acreage Decline
Slightly higher sales amid shrinking acreage and inventories point to tighter supplies supporting catfish prices.
February 16, 2026 04:00 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
farm gasoline tanks diesel fuel energy DSCN0035.JPG
Markets
Global Oil Supplies Build as Prices Forecast Lower
Lower oil prices may trim input costs but pressure biofuel demand.
February 16, 2026 03:00 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Winter sunrise under a red sky
Markets
Winter Storms Rapidly Drain U.S. Natural Gas Inventories
Cold-driven spikes in gas prices can quickly raise fertilizer and energy costs.
February 16, 2026 01:00 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Melissa_Eshelman_12_28_19_USA_IA_Eshelman_Farms_049.jpg
Markets
Terrain Projects Large Grain Supplies and Tighter Margins Ahead
Large carry-in stocks across major crops could limit price recovery in 2026/27 unless demand strengthens or weather-related supply reductions occur.
February 16, 2026 12:30 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
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:

9WYZY8YK.jpg
Commodity Classic
Countdown to Commodity Classic: Tidal Grow Agri-Science
Galynn Beer of Tidal Grow Agri-Science joined us to discuss challenges in fertility management, the benefits of Align-N, and what growers can expect at Commodity Classic next week.
February 20, 2026 01:26 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
7RpawrtJ.jpg
Rural Health
Iowa Farmer Shares His Story and the Importance of Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week
Iowa farmer Derek Hommer joined us to discuss grain bin safety, ongoing prevention efforts, and the importance of community preparedness during Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week.
February 20, 2026 01:21 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
efpW1AWX.jpg
Champions of Rural America
Champions of Rural America: Rep. Celeste Maloy of Utah
Congresswoman Celeste Maloy of Utah joins Champions of Rural America to discuss her new leadership role in the Western Caucus and her perspective on the Supreme Court’s ruling on President Trump’s tariff policy.
February 20, 2026 12:54 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
ffa logo on blue corduroy background 18845646-g.jpg
National FFA Organization
FFA Members Celebrate Leadership and Learning as National FFA Week Begins
National FFA Secretary Lilly Nyland talks about the significance of National FFA Week, member engagement, and the influence FFA continues to have on students nationwide.
February 20, 2026 12:06 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
CommodityClassic_Hdr_kosssmosss-AdobeStock_309633614_1920x1080.jpg
Commodity Classic
Countdown to Commodity Classic: Maximizing Fertilizer Inputs with Nachurs Alpine Solutions
Tommy Roach with Nachurs Alpine Solutions discuss fertilizer decision-making, plant fertility strategies, and what farmers can learn at Commodity Classic.
February 20, 2026 12:05 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
OK wildfire_Crystal Lotspeich 3.png
Weather News
Ranger Road Fire Ravages Southern Plains as Ranchers Rally to Protect Herds, Help Neighbors
New details on the massive wildfire threatening farms and ranches in the Southern Plains.
February 20, 2026 11:24 AM
 · 
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.