Opinion ID: 1896848
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Was the finding of the chancellor contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence and erroneous in failing to recognize the contractual obligations?

Text: At trial, there was sharp conflicting evidence offered on behalf of Breland and of Leard as to the issue of Breland's contractual breach. Leard contends that his act to re-enter upon condition broken was precipitated by Breland's failure to perform the terms of the lease and of his failure to make rental payments on time. Yet the record documents a clear and unambiguous memorandum, signed by both parties, granting an extension for such rental payments. Leard testified that Breland had failed to provide good husbandry about the leased premises and to follow Leard's suggestions intended for good crop production, weed control and erosion control. Witnesses were presented for each side. Several witnesses testified that Breland was practicing acceptable techniques. In fact, one witness testified that Leard, in July of 1982, recommended Breland for a position on an agricultural board because of his farming expertise. Yet other witnesses substantiated Leard's claim that Breland was disking the property in a manner other than on contour, permitting soil erosion, etc. With regard to Leard's claim that Breland failed to carry out soil enrichment procedures, as contemplated by the maintenance and care provision of the lease, Dr. Rasberry of the Mississippi State Horticultural & Agronomy Department stated that the land was in good shape for planting soybeans and had a high rate of fertility. Rasberry further stated that the land was suitable for double cropping, (planting a winter crop as well as a summer crop) and that the soil was better than average. Although Leard claimed his re-entry did not occur until October 15th, the lower court found that on the date of reentry, the extended due date for payment had not yet tolled and that Breland was not given adequate notice of any alleged default. The lower court found competent evidence to corroborate Breland's contention that he was performing adequately under the lease and that Leard wrongfully interfered with Breland's use of the leased premises. A review of the record amply supports the trial court's factual findings as reasonable and not clearly erroneous. Findings of fact made by a chancellor cannot be set aside or disturbed on appeal unless manifestly wrong. Lovett v. Garner, 511 So.2d 1346 (Miss. 1987); Harkins v. Fletcher, 499 So.2d 773 (Miss. 1986); Dunaway v. Busbin, 498 So.2d 1218 (Miss. 1986); Spain v. Holland, 483 So.2d 318 (Miss. 1986); Carr v. Carr, 480 So.2d 1120 (Miss. 1985). Leard contends that Breland contracted to comply with all requirements, covenants and conditions imposed by the lease and that Breland was bound to perform to the standards required in the lease. It appears that in contrast to the allegations of Leard, the lower court was fully cognizant of the obligations undertaken by the parties. The lower court found no breach on the part of Wesley Breland, but on the contrary found competent evidence to substantiate Breland's alleged efforts to comply with the lease. The lower court did find, however, that Leard breached his obligation to provide proper notice before re-entering the property and claiming control of Breland's soybean crop. These assignments are without merit, but supported by the record on conflicting testimony and the chancellor's factual determinations.