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
RH_Charity & Sarah 03.jpg
Washington Policy
Federal Grazing Policy Shift May Offer Ranchers Flexibility as Some Reassess Land Use and Lease Options
ASFMRA’s Chad Hertz joins us to discuss farmland trends, economic pressures facing producers, and how outside influences are shaping today’s land market.
May 13, 2026 03:53 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
4WhCussp.jpg
Business
Mexico and Canada Tighten Pork Restrictions Following U.S. Pseudorabies Cases
Andy Tauer from the National Pork Board discusses efforts to boost pork demand and how the industry is responding to trade restrictions related to pseudorabies.
May 13, 2026 12:50 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
wHaagrR7.jpg
Washington Policy
Farm and Fertilizer Groups Push Senate for Relief as Input Costs Climb
Dr. Robert Ellis joins us to discuss economic challenges in agriculture, available resources for farmers, and ways producers can evaluate practices to strengthen their operations.
May 13, 2026 12:42 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
blVlNGwF.jpg
Washington Policy
House Moves Closer to a Possible Vote on Year-Round E15 Sales
While there is no guarantee a House vote will happen today, the measure has officially been placed on the congressional calendar.
May 13, 2026 12:10 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
JWC9kPg1.jpg
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture
Louisiana Dairy Family Looks to Reverse Decades of Industry Decline
Sinagra Family Dairy is focused on expanding local milk production and supporting its rural community.
May 13, 2026 11:52 AM
 · 
Craig Gautreaux
DU8HWG3o.jpg
FFA Today
FFA Today: Kansas FFA President Lillian Hulse Talks State Convention
Hulse discusses leadership, college life and what members can expect at this year’s convention.
May 13, 2026 11:37 AM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
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:

QMN0XFw2.jpg
Washington Policy
Syngenta: New EPA framework on pesticides could affect your bottom line
December 08, 2023 09:56 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
9V BEES WINTER COLONIES (1).jpg
FarmTech
Hive Hugger: Wintertime beekeeping innovation improves colony survival, honey yields in cold weather
Beekeepers across the nation face a common challenge during winter—helping bee colonies survive the harsh conditions. Now, a new product developed by an innovated apiarist is changing the game. Enter, the Hive Hugger.
December 07, 2023 12:30 PM
 · 
Charlsie McKay
Brice Long on set of a TV Taping for Muletown in the Round at Homestead Hall (2).png
Gallery: Muletown in the Round, Season 2
Season 2 of Muletown in the Round features host Wynn Varble alongside veteran singer-songwriters who share the stories behind some of Country Music’s greatest hits. Songwriters in this season include Brice Long, Mark Nesler, Shane Minor, Moe Pitney, Clint Daniels, Ronnie Bowman, Don Sampson, and Jim “Moose” Brown.
December 05, 2023 04:20 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
WTFCF_S4E6_BTS_skeletonal-trees-adj.jpg
Where the Food Comes From
Behind-the-Scenes of WTFCF S4, E6: A Day Without Sunshine
In this behind-the-scenes look at the newest episode of Where the Food Comes From, “A Day Without Sunshine” written by show producer and script supervisor Donna Sanders — find out what Florida citrus growers Dundee Citrus did when life handed them some lemons.
November 29, 2023 09:00 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
mw3rbo07.jpg
Weather News
What are the horticultural implications of the USDA’s updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map for U.S. growers?
As the USDA tracks how Plant Hardiness Zones are slowly shifting across the country, they are also adjusting their recommendations for gardeners when it comes to perennial plants. The data is also used the by Risk Management Agency to determine crop insurance rates.
November 28, 2023 02:28 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
hqdefault.jpg
Where the Food Comes From
WTFCF S4, E6 Bonus Scene: What If There’s A Hurricane?
Growing citrus undercover in a giant screened-in enclosure has huge advantages. But what happens when there’s a hurricane?
November 28, 2023 09:00 AM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
Load More
Agriculture Shows
commodity-talk_scott_black-logo_1920x1080.jpg
mdr weekend_eliza_1920x1080.jpg
prairie prophets-share-image_logo.jpg
CLAAS-OutsideCorporateBuilding_1920x1080.jpg
Commodity Talk
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
Market Day Report Weekend
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Prairie Prophets
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
CLAAS: Made for More
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.