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
trump and tractor_nationalagday_white house.jpg
Washington Policy
Rising Fuel Costs Frame White House Policy Push to Support Farmers and Ranchers
At the White House’s “Celebration of Agriculture,” the Trump Administration announced a slate of policies to support farmers and ranchers, including biofuel mandates, SBA loan programs, and new labeling policies to boost domestic markets for ag products.
March 30, 2026 01:01 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
asia-trade_By knowhowfootage via adobe stock.png
Trade
U.S.-Indonesia Trade Deal Expands Agricultural Market Access
Expanded access could boost demand for U.S. exports.
March 30, 2026 11:41 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
Qfe1xKxW.jpg
Champions of Rural America
Champions of Rural America: $160M Lease Sale Fuels Optimism for Alaska Economy, Says Rep. Nick Begich
This week on Champions of Rural America, Congressman Nick Begich discusses the lease sale, its economic impact, and what it could mean for future energy production in Alaska.
March 27, 2026 04:32 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
wvgXJoNN.jpg
Business
SoilView Expert: Soil Testing Now Essential to Stretch Fertilizer Dollars
SoilView’s Chris Nelson explains why soil testing is essential, how it enhances nutrient management, and why growers should focus on data-driven strategies to guide planting and fertilization this year.
March 27, 2026 04:16 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
FarmHER Amanda Freund holding manure used to make biodegradable plant pots_freund family farms_0G4A0865.jpg
Sustainability
Conservation Funding and Soil Health Programs in North American Agriculture
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses Canada’s new soil health strategy, its implications for producers, and its potential to support sustainable agriculture in Canada compared to USDA funding for conservation.
March 27, 2026 03:15 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
0G4A9553.jpg
Firm to Farm
Firm to Farm: Strategies for Curing Title Defects in Agricultural Land Transactions
Curing title defects in an agricultural context requires a blend of traditional real estate law and a deep understanding of rural land use history.
March 27, 2026 02:04 PM
 · 
Roger A. McEowen
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:

Ethanol gasoline fuel nozzle and corn kernels. Biofuel, agriculture and fuel price concept
Energy
EPA Finalizes Long-Awaited “Set 2” Renewable Fuel Standards, Promising Boost for Biofuels and Farm Economy
EPA estimates the rule could generate more than $10 billion for rural economies and support over 100,000 jobs across agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
March 27, 2026 01:06 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
white house lawn_spring_white house.webp
Washington Policy
White House Hosts ‘Celebration of Agriculture’ as Policy Announcements Loom
White House hosts “Celebration of Agriculture” as Trump administration signals new farmer support, including potential tax breaks and upcoming renewable fuel policy updates.
March 27, 2026 11:59 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
c6b4bsBR.jpg
Weather News
As New Wildfires Breakout Across Nebraska, Ag Community Steps Up to Support Fellow Ranchers
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Michael Kelsey joined us to discuss wildfire impacts across the Southern Plains, the importance of community support, and the path forward for affected producers.
March 27, 2026 11:40 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
cherry blossoms cherry trees washington dc_adobe stock.png
U.S. Farm Bill
Bipartisan Efforts Pushing A New Farm Bill Closer to the Finish Line
As ag lawmakers in the Senate await the House vote on the Farm Bill, they are eager to discuss the challenges farmers face before it is their turn to take up the critical legislation.
March 26, 2026 04:29 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
SEjmh1ZG.jpg
FarmTech
FarmTech: Halter’s ‘Cow-gorithm’ and Solar-Powered Collars are Changing the Virtual Fencing Landscape
Elena Chavez with Halter provided insight into the company’s virtual fencing technology, its adoption in the U.S., and the impact of recent funding on ranching operations.
March 26, 2026 03:21 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
shipping containers on a dock
Rural Money
Iran Conflict Drives Volatility in Crop Margins Outlook
Brooks York with AgriSompo addresses how current market conditions and risk management are impacted by volatility in the Middle East, and considerations for farmers in the spring planting season.
March 26, 2026 02:57 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Load More
Agriculture Shows
learn to grow misilla the new crop header image 21411458-g.jpg
Next Level Farming
Texas Agriculture Matters
Simply Southern co-hosts Mary Wilson and Kevin Worthington
Learn to Grow
Misilla is the host of Learn to Grow and The Crafty Mom on YouTube. A Pacific Northwest mother of four who is passionate about organic gardening, sustainable living, homesteading, and education, her videos and social media posts consist of gardening, outdoor recreation, healthy living, crafts, science experiments, DIY projects, and delicious recipes.
Total Acre Farming
Crop yield champions David Hula from Virginia and Randy Dowdy from Georgia are back for another season with the aim of schooling more growers across the country in their winning ways.
Texas Agriculture Matters
“Texas Agriculture Matters” is a fun, informative look at the role of agriculture in our daily lives. The show utilizes the trademark wit and wisdom of its host Commissioner Sid Miller — an 8th-generation farmer-rancher and 12-time World Champion rodeo cowboy — to explore a new Texas ag-related topic each week.
Simply Southern TV
From barnyards and back roads to metros and highways, Simply Southern TV on RFD Network explores all of Alabama to bring you the best stories on farming, gardening, forestry, rural living, and youth in agriculture.