Running an agribusiness today is both exciting and complex. Whether you’re operating a fertilizer company, an ag-tech startup, a feed mill, or a family-owned food processing plant, growth brings opportunity and legal challenges. Vendor contracts, employee handbooks, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and expansion plans all require legal oversight. But most small and mid-size agribusinesses cannot justify hiring a full-time, in-house …
Running a family farm today involves far more than planting crops and raising livestock. Illinois farmers are expected to manage land, negotiate leases, comply with ever-changing regulations, and make sound business decisions — often while juggling multi-generational family dynamics. When unexpected legal issues arise, many farmers scramble to find help, only to be left with expensive hourly bills or lawyers …
Divorce is never easy, but when farmland, equipment, and agricultural businesses are involved, the process becomes even more complicated. The family farm is not just an asset—it’s a home, a livelihood, and often a legacy passed down through generations. In this article, Dividing the Family Farm in an Illinois Divorce: What Every Farmer Should Know, we share how Illinois courts …
Farming and ranching is more than just a livelihood; it is about preserving a legacy and a way of life. Unfortunately, many farmers and ranchers fail to create a comprehensive estate plan—or any estate plan at all. Without a proper estate plan, the family farm or ranch, passed down for generations, can end up being sold and converted to nonagricultural …
What if I add my child (who also works on the farm) to the deed for the land and the title to the equipment? Will that automatically transfer the land and equipment to my child when I die, avoiding probate? While some types of joint ownership cause the surviving owner to receive 100 percent of the ownership upon the passing …
Illinois farmers are increasingly approached with opportunities to lease or sell farmland for renewable energy projects or to participate in carbon credit markets. These offers can look attractive—guaranteed income, diversification, and a chance to support clean energy. But they also come with long-term legal and financial risks. In this article, What Illinois Farmers Should Know About Selling or Leasing Land …
For many Illinois farmers, equipment is one of the largest and most important investments they make. Whether you’re purchasing a new tractor, leasing harvesters, or upgrading irrigation systems, these deals often involve significant financial commitments. In this article, Buying or Leasing Farm Equipment in Illinois: Legal Tips for Protecting Your Investment, we share key legal and financial considerations to help …
For Illinois farmers, protecting your land, equipment, and livelihood isn’t just about good crops, it’s about having the right legal foundation. In this article, “Should You Form an LLC for Your Farm? A Guide for Illinois Agricultural Businesses”, we explain how forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can safeguard your personal assets, streamline ownership, and position your farm for long-term …
Choosing the right legal structure for your farm isn’t just about paperwork, it can affect your taxes, liability, succession planning, and even your eligibility for certain programs. In this article, How to Legally Structure Your Illinois Farm Business for Growth and Protection, we share the pros and cons of common farm business structures in Illinois so you can select the …
For many farms in Illinois, seasonal workers are essential to keeping operations running smoothly during planting, harvesting, and peak production seasons. But hiring help isn’t as simple as shaking hands and getting to work. In this article, Hiring Seasonal Farm Workers in Illinois: What You Need to Know About Ag Labor Laws, we explain the key state and federal rules …
For many Illinois farm families, the land is more than just soil and crops, it’s a legacy built over generations. Unfortunately, without the right legal planning, that legacy can be torn apart by disputes, probate delays, and tax burdens. In this article, How to Pass Down the Family Farm in Illinois Without a Legal Battle, we share key strategies for …
You and your spouse have recently divorced, and the judge has signed the divorce decree. Now what? Although you may feel that you have spent enough time and money on lawyers, there is one last attorney you need to talk to: an estate planning attorney. Estate planning after divorce is a crucial step to ensure your assets and wishes reflect …