Dear Fellow Agriculture Attorneys (and Law Students): This is a friendly reminder to register for the crop and livestock/equine insurance law CLE that is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2012.  The CLE is hosted by the American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee.  If you cannot attend the [...]

As part of my new leadership role with the American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee, I have been busy helping plan a Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) webinar on crop and livestock insurance. This program will lay down the fundamental building blocks for practicing either crop and or livestock [...]

Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (“APHIS”) issued the long-awaited proposed rule on Traceability for Livestock Moving Interstate. The new proposed system will replace the National Animal Identification System (“NAIS”) and will be primarily managed at the state level.  The USDA is currently seeking comments on the proposed [...]

I really enjoyed reading the article by Don Tyler titled “Working with Family — Hiring (and Firing) Family Members in this month’s Feedlot magazine (pages 36, 38).  It reminded me of the unique challenges that family businesses must face — whether it is a family farm/ranch or any other type of business.  Intra-family dynamics can [...]