Brumley Estate v. Iowa Beef Processors, Inc.

TATE, Circuit Judge:

In this Texas diversity case, the plaintiffs, a group of cattle sellers and feedlot operators, appeal from a take-nothing judgment entered on jury verdicts against them. The basis for their original suit was their contention that the defendant, Iowa Beef Processors (“Iowa Beef” — a slaughterhouse and meat packing plant), through its alleged agent, Heller, purchased cattle that were not properly paid for, and for which Iowa Beef is liable.

Essentially, they contest three rulings of the district court. First, relying on two prior jury determinations of Heller’s status as…