Opinion ID: 1613673
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Loss of 1989 Calf Crop from Herd I.

Text: The Cutlers argue the trial court's finding as to damages caused by loss of the 1989 calf crop was clearly erroneous. The trial court found Mash lost seventeen calves from the 1989 calf crop as a result of the eighteen undelivered cows from Herd I. The stipulation required the Cutlers to deliver 151 head of bred heifers. They delivered 133. The Cutlers argue 60% of these calves would have belonged to them pursuant to the calf-share agreement and that the damages awarded should be reduced 60% (resulting in a credit of $4,845.00). Mash points out the calf-share agreement Cutlers refer to is for the 1988 calf crop, not the 1989 calf crop. Mash alleged in his complaint the parties agreed to calf-share the 1988 calf crop from the 151 cattle in Herd I. The first 85% of the calves were to be divided 45% to Mash and 55% to the Cutlers. Any calves over 85% were to be divided 40% to Mash and 60% to the Cutlers. Further, the Cutlers guaranteed Mash fifty-two live heifer calves. This calf-share arrangement was incorporated by reference into the stipulation entered into between the parties. Indeed, the trial court did not award Mash any damages in regard to the 1988 calf crop because Mash received the minimum fifty-two heifer calves. The 1989 calf crop was not part of the agreement between Mash and the Cutlers. Nevertheless, the 1989 calf crop loss was a proximate result of the Cutlers' failure to deliver 151 bred heifers as agreed in the stipulation. See SDCL 21-2-1; Regan, 344 N.W.2d at 696. Loss of a calf crop is a reasonable measure of damages, Hepper v. Triple U. Enterprises, Inc., 388 N.W.2d 525, 529-30 (S.D.1986), and we therefore conclude the trial court was not clearly erroneous in awarding Mash damages based on the 1989 calf crop loss caused by the Cutlers' breach. [5]