This weekend I completed New York child custody and visitation mediation training in Queens at Community Mediation Services, Inc. It was a complementary training to my divorce mediation training this winter with the New York Peace Institute. I am continually impressed by the quality of the education at our Community Dispute Resolution Centers (“CDRC”) in the state of New York. …
So What Exactly Is “Big Ag?”
I spoke last month on sustainability in “Big Agriculture.” It got me thinking. What exactly is “Big Agriculture?” How do we define what is or is not “Big Ag?” And when did it become a bad name? Is it whether a farm is owned by a family or a corporation? 97% of farms are family owned. What if shareholders of …
5 State Approaches for Using Animal Societies to Enforce Animal Cruelty Statutes
As I have noted in this blog on several occasions, duly incorporated animal societies in the State of New York have the authority to search and seize livestock. This article does a nice job illustrating the five state law approaches with using animal societies to enforce livestock animal cruelty laws. Ordinary Rights The majority of states have this approach. In …
Fixing “Broken Windows” On Your Farm: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Last week I finished the book “Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell (admittedly, while I was laying on a beach over Memorial Day weekend). I read “Outliers” last summer and “Blink” several years go and I think Gladwell’s books make for a thought-provoking quick read. The premise of the book is about how the “little things” can make a big difference …
Helping Your Children Survive a Divorce
I recently came across this Parent’s Handbook from the New York State Parent Education and Awareness Program. If you are currently going through a divorce or separation with children, I recommend reviewing the handbook. I especially liked the section in the handbook when it talks about the emotional effects of children in different age groups. I am not a parent …
New Jersey Agriculture Mediation Roster
I am very happy to announce that I was recently added to the mediation roster with the New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee (“SADC”). The mediation is free for agriculture producers. The program hears Right to Farm and other U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) disputes (e.g., agriculture credit, conservation programs). You can find more information about the program here. The …
So What Exactly is “Sustainable Agriculture?”
Sustainability has been a big buzz word in agriculture over the last few years – but what does it mean? In preparation for this presentation that I gave earlier this month, I found the “legal definition” of “sustainable agriculture” here. Pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 3103, “sustainable agriculture” means an “integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific …
Debrief From Skype Convo About Being an Agriculture Attorney
Wow. Cannot believe how fast May is passing. Time flies when you are having fun. I had a pleasant conversation with some lovely ladies earlier this month who wish to have a career in agriculture law. Here were a couple of the questions. 1. How did you get started? I started my law practice by moving to New York City …
“Contested” vs. “Uncontested” Divorces – So What Exactly is the Difference?
In New York, a contested divorce is one where the parties do not agree on whether or not to get divorced, on what the grounds for divorce will be, and/or on all or some of the ancillary issues to the divorce including but not limited to durational/rehabilitative spousal maintenance, child support, and equitable distribution. All or some of the issues stated …
An Overview of State Laws Prohibiting Undercover Video Surveillance
The agriculture community has faced problems with animal welfare organizations using undercover videos that are sensationalizing alleged acts of animal cruelty on livestock operations. Larger livestock farmers using conventional production practices and concentrated animal feeding operations are at greater risk. Due to the media attention from these undercover videos, several states have developed legislation aimed to proscribe undercover video surveillance …
Missed the Local Food CLE? Don’t Worry, You Can Get the Recording
Last Thursday I moderated a fantastic local food law CLE (i.e., “Continuing Legal Education”). The faculty worked hard putting together substantive materials for the attendees including relevant ancillary materials (such as this, this, and this). If you missed the live webinar, you can purchase the CLE from the American Bar Association’s (“ABA”) webstore here. Though the CLE was directed to …