Legal Issues
Check out some of the agricultural law news from 2023. Looking forward to 2024, many of these issues will remain critical issues for many agricultural producers around the country.
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Sometimes it takes a leap of faith
Developing an exit strategy when transitioning the farm to the next generation includes setting exit goals, assessing financial and mental readiness, identifying exiting owner type, selecting an exit option, understanding the value of this option and executing the exit strategy plan.
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'Breaking in' new laws: An update on the livestock dealer statutory trust
In 2020, the Dealer Trust Act was established for the benefit of unpaid cash sellers of livestock. If a dealer fails to pay sellers for livestock, the Dealer Trust Act then is intended to enable the seller to receive payment through these trust assets.
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Estate planning: Options beyond a typical will
A comprehensive estate plan considers not only your assets after your passing but also your health, living, business and financial circumstances for the remainder of your lifetime. Here are summaries of common estate planning tools you may consider.
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Incorporating the 'Four P's' into farm and ranch leases
Agricultural leases are an important tool for producers. Leases may be written or oral, but the best leases provide written evidence of the parties’ agreement and contain the “Four P's”: the parties, property, period and payment.
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7 best practices for making mixed use of cattle grazing land
Grazing land owners are being approached with opportunities to combine cattle grazing with clean energy and carbon offset technologies, but they need to be cautious to ensure their primary use of the land is not compromised.
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Simple deal or not, you need a contract
The changing nature of cattle operations requires specialized contracts. Whether borrowing a neighbor's bull or letting a friend exhibit your heifer, written agreements protect all parties involved.
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Nonprobate transfers: Planning pays off
The complexities and expenses associated with probates vary. However, the good news is that many assets can pass outside of the probate process if the decedent planned ahead.
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Landowner considerations when negotiating solar energy leases
Solar energy leases can provide an added source of revenue for farmers and ranchers. However, the implications of a solar lease are far-reaching and should not be taken lightly.
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Right to Farm updates: Important protections for agriculture
Many rural areas are seeing rapid growth, meaning new neighbors without a connection to agriculture. The Right to Farm statutes protect existing operations against nuisance lawsuits, and some states have made updates to strengthen these protections.
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