Norton Farms, Inc. v. Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

Greene, J.:

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (Anardarko) appeals the judgment entered by the district court in favor of Norton Farms, Inc. (Norton) after a jury found Anardarko 100% at fault in the design and construction of a ramp for Norton’s circle pivot irrigator that traversed Anadarko’s oil and gas structures on Norton’s agricultural leasehold. Anadarko claims numerous trial errors. We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for new trial.

Factual and Procedural Overview

When Norton expanded its lease of land in Stevens County for farming operations to include a quarter where Anadarko…