Whether from trespassers, thieves, vandals, disgruntled employees, drugmakers, activists or extremists, farm security threats are a risk farmers face. Intruders can harm property in many ways: releasing or injuring livestock, stealing anhydrous or chemicals, destroying crops, contaminating water, introducing disease, setting fires, or committing other acts of theft, vandalism or destruction.   

Suspicious activities on farms showcase the need for constant awareness of farm security and the threat of intentional harm to farm property. An Ohio State University bulletin, "Intentional Harm to Farm Property: Legal Options and Strategies for Farm Owners," aims to meet this need by addressing what to do when a farm security issue occurs.  

Three immediate actions can be helpful to ensuring a clearheaded reaction to an incident: call local law enforcement, secure the property and preserve the evidence, and contact an insurance provider.

Options for legal action 

How can a farmer address a security incident through the legal system? Local law enforcement might pursue a criminal action, a farm owner might choose to file a civil action lawsuit, or both criminal and civil actions could take place. 

Conferring with law enforcement and an attorney will help determine an appropriate course of action. The bulletin explains common criminal actions that might apply to a farm security episode, such as:

The bulletin also review laws that provide for civil actions against someone who intentionally harms farm property, such as:

Farmers can adopt practices that reduce the possibility of intruders and incidents of intentional harm to farm property. A dozen strategies are listed in the bulletin that may be helpful, such as marking, posting and securing property boundaries; maintaining a record of suspicious activities; vetting employees; and conferring with a security professional.

Hall is an associate professor and field specialist in agricultural and resource law.

Source: OSU CAFES, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.