Two Arkansas Farmers File a Lawsuit Against a Number of Poultry Producers

A couple of Arkansas County farmers, not happy with some of their prime go to guys.

They contend that companies like Tyson gave them fertilizer, tainted with arsenic.

It's not just facts they say, it's all about perception for these farmers who make their living selling rice and they say anything concerning this product, if negative hurts their bottom line.

The class action lawsuit was filed in Stuttgart, alleging chicken litter used as fertilizer is contaminating their soil and ultimately crops.

The suit claims companies like Tyson knew the feed mixture had arsenic in it and failed to warn farmers.

Tyson issued this statement, "It appears to be an example of creative lawyers, trying to extract money from companies that have done nothing wrong. None of our chickens are given feed additives containing arsenic."

But with recent reports of arsenic in rice, the farmers say it's hurting their business and killing their crops.

Charles Wilson, Director of the Rice Research and Extension Center for the University of Arkansas, said arsenic levels occur naturally in a number of things.

"The arsenic is found in the soil, it's found in water all over the world."

Wilson also said you shouldn't be concerned.

"We don't have any evidence to suggest that there are health concerns associated with the levels of arsenic that we're finding in our rice."

But the farmers who filed this lawsuit are concerned, about their crops and their financial future.

The farmers want to be compensated but they are not saying how much.