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
SU2hMscs.jpg
Rural Health
National Ag Day: Rural Minds Launches Initiative to Support Mental Health in Agriculture
Carol Anderson joined us to highlight the importance of rural mental health, introduce a new resilience program, and share resources available to the ag community.
March 24, 2026 12:25 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Cathy_Lafrenz_08_09_13_USA_IA_Miss_Effies_Country_Flowers_and_Garden_Stuff_006.jpg
High-Path Avian Flu
USDA APHIS: Spring Migration Brings Renewed Bird Flu Threat to U.S. Farms
As spring migration ramps up, USDA officials warn farmers about rising bird flu risks and urge stronger biosecurity measures. Resources are available through APHIS to help protect livestock.
March 24, 2026 10:24 AM
 · 
Alex Heider
herd of cows in cowshed on dairy farm_Photo by Syda Productions via AdobeStock_132201757.jpg
Trade
U.S. Dairy Expansion Continues With Strong Export Growth
Herd growth and exports supporting dairy outlook.
March 24, 2026 10:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
sunflowers_adobe stock.png
USDA
Soybean and Sunflower Crush Rise, Stocks Hold Steady
Crush demand is supporting soybeans despite biofuel uncertainty.
March 24, 2026 08:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
Ethanol gasoline fuel nozzle and corn kernels. Biofuel, agriculture and fuel price concept
Markets
Grains Council Report Highlights Record Corn, Ethanol Exports
Export growth remains key for grain profitability.
March 24, 2026 06:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
2JOy4Chx.jpg
Explore 4-H
4-H Members Highlight the Impact of Mentorship in Agriculture
Tennessee students share how the program fosters confidence, connection, and a sense of community
March 23, 2026 05:02 PM
 · 
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:

corn crop aerial_adobe stock.png
Crops
Deadline to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Extended As Middle East Conflict Shakes Inputs, Lifts Corn Outlook
NCGA Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses the evolving role of ethanol in the current energy crisis, opportunities for expanding corn discusses the evolving role of ethanol in the current marketdemand, and the industry’s outlook moving forward.
March 23, 2026 12:04 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
PEPbXBcg.jpg
Livestock
Secretary Rollins Surveys Nebraska Wildfires as Cattle Industry Faces Mounting Pressure
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins surveys Nebraska wildfire damage as cattle losses, tight supplies, rising imports, and beef industry investigations impact U.S. markets. Roger McEowen outlines legal and tax considerations for ranchers recovering from wildfire damage.
March 23, 2026 11:18 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
texas farming stock photo_adobe stock.png
Texas Our Texas
Texas Launches Ag Defense Program to Protect Farmers from Pests, Disease and Predators
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller launches Agricultural Defense Program to combat pests, disease, and predators threatening farmers and ranchers statewide.
March 23, 2026 10:40 AM
 · 
Lily Raby
Aberdeen Angus Cattle Feeding in a Feedlot at Sunset
Livestock
March Cattle-on-Feed Report Holds Steady as Marketings Decline Nationwide
USDA Cattle-on-Feed report for March shows slightly lower inventory and higher February placements, signaling a tighter supply but steady outlook for the U.S. cattle herd.
March 20, 2026 03:30 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
esm7OmTc.jpg
Livestock
Nebraska Rancher on Wildfires: ‘This is fragile country—and with this wind, we just didn’t have a chance.’
Nebraska Cattle Rancher Joe Van Newkirk shares his firsthand insight on devastating wildfires in the Sandhills, discusses challenges facing ranchers, long-term calf health concerns, and the recovery efforts underway.
March 20, 2026 01:53 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
gFyEyJuw.jpg
Livestock
Nebraska Cattlemen on Wildfires: ‘Everything you’ve worked for, for generations—gone in five minutes.’
Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association President Craig Uden shares the latest on Nebraska wildfire conditions, discusses challenges facing producers, and outlines relief efforts underway.
March 20, 2026 01:21 PM
 · 
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.