In a crop insurance appeal concerning adjustments to 2002 and 2003 soybean crop claims, the appellant sought a last-minute adjournment by email on the eve of the hearing, citing illness.
The respondent asked the tribunal to dismiss the appeal or, alternatively, award costs for wasted preparation and attendance expenses.
The tribunal held it would be inequitable to dismiss the appeal because an earlier adjournment requested by the respondent had been granted, but found the appellant's eleventh-hour request caused avoidable expense and delay.
The hearing was adjourned, and the respondent was awarded $1,500.00 in costs as partial compensation and as a deterrent against last-minute adjournment requests.
