Tort liability comes about when there is a risk of harm to someone outside the operation.

An example would be a sales person who comes onto the farm or ranch and is injured in some way due to negligence on the part of the farm or ranch owner. Or there may be a known hazard that the farm/ranch owner failed to warn about. 

Another scenario is where the farm/ranch owner knowingly discharges something from the operation that causes harm to individuals outside the operation, e.g., smoke from burning straw.

Often this type of risk is covered by a general farm liability policy. However, where the laws governing this type of liability vary from state to state, a qualified professional should be consulted to ensure adequate protection against this source of risk.