Opinion ID: 1992847
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: reimbursement for summer fallow

Text: Kirby also contends that the court erred in denying a cash allowance for the expenses he incurred in fallowing the land during the summer of 1988. Aetna specifically told Kirby in a letter dated April 28, 1988 not to do any summer fallowing for Aetna's 1989 crop, unless a prior written agreement had been signed. [3] Aetna had hired a professional farm manager specifically to arrange and supervise the preparation, planting and harvesting of the 1989 wheat crop. Without Aetna's consent or agreement, Kirby entered the land and summer fallowed certain portions including some of the acreage on which Aetna planted wheat in the fall of 1988. Kirby indicated in his deposition that he summer fallowed because he still had hopes of negotiating with Aetna for retention of the land. It is clear from the evidence that Kirby fallowed the land for Kirby's own benefit not for the benefit of Aetna. Kirby claims restitution pursuant to theories of a contract implied in fact, a contract implied in law and unjust enrichment. Aetna argues that Kirby is owed no compensation under an implied contract theory and also that Kirby's summer fallowing was in compliance with the obligation under the agreement wherein Kirby agreed to control in a good farmerlike manner noxious weeds and farm so as to prevent unnecessary soil erosion using proper conservation techniques. [4] Kirby and Aetna entered into a stipulation which clearly defined the rights of each party concerning the 1989 crops and specifically gave Aetna the right to enter the land and prepare, plant and harvest the 1989 crops. Aetna exercised its rights and decided to enter the land during 1988 and prepare and plant the next season's crops. Aetna clearly told Kirby not to fallow in anticipation of 1989 crops unless a written agreement existed. Since we have determined that the stipulation entered into by the parties is binding and controls the rights of the parties, Kirby's claim for restitution under a theory of implied contract is unfounded. Thurston v. Cedric Sanders Company, 80 S.D. 426, 125 N.W.2d 496 (1963). [W]here there is a valid express contract existing between parties in relation to a transaction fully fixing the rights of each, there is no room for an implied promise, or suit on quantum meruit. Ball v. Dolan, 21 S.D. 619, 114 N.W. 998 (1908) cited in Thurston, supra, 125 N.W.2d at 498. Kirby's claim does not have merit because the stipulation was a valid express contract as to the parties' rights of possession of the land during the redemption period. Kirby's actions were in direct opposition to Aetna's possessory rights and in direct opposition to Aetna's instruction not to fallow the land. In fact, Leo Kirby admits that his actions were contrary to the agreed stipulation and that he intended to deny its enforceability and claim the 1989 crops. Kirby has failed to establish sufficient evidence which would prove that an implied in fact or implied in law contract exists. The court denied Kirby's claim for fallowing costs because it would unjustly enrich Kirby at Aetna's expense. We ultimately agree with the court's holding for a different reason. As a general rule restitution provides that a person who without mistake, coercion or request has unconditionally conferred a benefit upon another is not entitled to restitution, except where the benefit was conferred under circumstances making such action necessary for the protection of the interests of the other or of a third person. Restatement of Restitution, § 112 (1937). Kirby's actions do not meet the exception. Kirby never intended to summer fallow for the protection of anyone's interest but his own. We find that the court did not err by denying Kirby's claim for payment. The judgment must be upheld if it is right for any reason. Matter of Dependency and Neglect of A.L., 442 N.W.2d 233 (S.D.1989). The decision of the circuit court is affirmed. WUEST, and HENDERSON, and SABERS, JJ., concur. HERTZ, Acting J., concurs. MEIERHENRY, Circuit Judge, for MILLER, C.J., disqualified. AMUNDSON, J., not having been a member of the court at the time this action was submitted to the court, did not participate.