Tennessee Poultry Farmer Files Lawsuit Over Construction Disputes
A notable lawsuit has emerged from Tennessee, where a poultry farmer is seeking over $2 million in damages. Hunter Crowson, who raises broilers for Tyson Foods at Crowson Coop Farms, claims that an Arkansas-based contractor, Reliable Poultry, failed to deliver acceptable construction standards, effectively leaving his operation idle for the past eight months.
Allegations Against Reliable Poultry
According to the lawsuit filed in county court, Crowson alleges that Reliable Poultry employed unlicensed labor for the construction of chicken houses that Tyson Foods mandated he use. He reports a series of failures in safety inspections, with multiple issues being flagged by state officials and the fire marshal.
Electrical Issues and Safety Inspections
Having previously worked for Tyson, Crowson noted considerable electrical problems on his farm. The situation escalated when he realized that the barns had not undergone a final electrical inspection. Most recently, the site was inspected on April 15, during which further violations were identified.
Concerns About Labor Practices
In an alarming turn of events, Crowson stated that a construction crew abandoned the job when he questioned the legal status of some workers employed at the site. The legal filing, which encompasses 25 pages, seeks compensation for construction costs, lost earnings, and various business-related setbacks.
A Broader Implication
In a public statement, Crowson emphasized the wider implications of this case: “This isn’t just about my farm. It’s about the increasing pressures and risks faced by independent producers who are locked into contracts with large corporations.”
The ongoing lawsuit may spark essential discussions regarding contractor mandates, regulatory oversight, and the autonomy of growers within vertically integrated poultry systems.
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