Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla has granted a motion to dismiss a breach of contract lawsuit filed six years ago by Michael and Denise Richter, owners of Rich-Lane Farms in Highland, against Prairie Farms Dairy.
The Richters sued in 2006, claiming that after improving their dairy and buying stock in Prairie Farms as part of a milk marketing agreement, the dairy terminated the agreement and acted oppressively to them as shareholders.
The Richters filed the motion to dismiss without prejudice, and Hylla granted the motion on Sept. 7.
The couple on Aug. 13 had sought a two-week extension of time to respond to Prairie Farms' discovery requests. Prairie Farms countered with an objection to that request on Aug. 22.
According to the Richters' motion for extension of time, one of their experts was unavailable until Aug. 22.
In an earlier order, Hylla had ordered the Richters to produce all documents by Aug. 13.
Todd Sivia of Edwardsville represents the Richters.
Donald Schoemaker and Laura Oberkfell of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale in Belleville represent Prairie Farms.
Madison County case number 06-L-892.