This is the presentation that I gave last month on sustainability in agriculture at the Association of the Bar for the City of New York. In case you missed it, you can also read my previous posts on the definitions of sustainable agriculture and “Big Ag.” [slideshare id=12960919&doc=sustainabilitydevelopmentsinbigagriculture-120516144621-phpapp01] Thank you to Red Letter Day Graphic Design for helping me with imbedding …
Free Webinar: Crop Insurance & Southern Agriculture
The National Agriculture Law Center and Banks Law Firm, PLLC will be having a free webinar on Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 12-1pm ET on crop insurance’s applicability to the agriculture industry in “the south”. According to the webinar’s description, Harrison Pittman and Grant Ballard will discuss the following: Update on current federal policy debate regarding crop insurance, including unique …
How to Calculate Temporary Spousal Maintenance in New York
Temporary spousal maintenance is money paid from the higher-earning spouse to the lesser-earning spouse. It is typically applied during the pendency of the divorce but it can also be used as a guideline when a couple is married for relief in Family Court. I have received a lot of phone calls lately from folks whose spouse decides to cut them …
More Than a Handshake: Some Thoughts on Farm Leases
I make no secret on this blog that I believe farmers and ranchers should make sure to get contracts in writing, including farm or ranch leases. I want to stress that this is just as important for a family farm where the Landlord and Tenant may be family members. Even if the Landlord and Tenant are different entities (with the …
Completed NY Child Custody & Visitation Mediation Training
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 …