Kistler v. Stoddard

688 S.W.2d 746 (1985)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Stoddard was a tenant farmer who had rented cropland on yearly leases for more than 20 years. The lease always began on January 1. Stoddard planted his fall wheat crop in November 1980. The farm owner, Barrett died, and the heirs sold the land to Shannon. Shannon did not renew Stoddard’s lease for the year beginning 1981. Stoddard sued and sought restitution from Shannon. The chancellor found that Shannon was aware that the wheat crop had been planted at the time of the purchase, that the value of the crop had not entered into negotiations, Shannon did not plow the crop under but chose to reap the benefits of Stoddard’s labor, and that Stoddard was unaware at the time he planted of the proposed sale. The Chancellor found that Stoddard was justified in planting from prior past practices. Stoddard got the judgment for $5,711.98 based on unjust enrichment. D appealed.