April 26, 2018 a federal jury in North Carolina awarded nearly $51 million to 10 plaintiffs in a "Swine Nuisance" verdict. The award was reduced two weeks later by a federal judge to $3.25 million. Either way, meat production may have just gotten a lot more expensive — there are 25 more cases filed just in North Carolina! What does this mean for the future of meat production and what does it mean for consumers? More importantly, what really went on trial? Was it odor and noise, as the case contends? Or is farming and "Big Ag" under assault by cause groups using the courts to achieve their agenda? And lets not forget the financial angle…. are your neighbors going to use the North Carolina precedent to take money from you?
The Business of Agriculture Podcast