I receive a lot of questions from clients regarding credit scores. I think a primer on FICO’s would be appropriate. There are three credit reporting agencies (“CRAs”): Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. I recommend reviewing your credit report annually from each of the three CRAs from www.annualcreditreport.com (as opposed to freecreditreport.com which actually charges you to obtain your credit report instantaneously). …
Where is Your “In Case of An Emergency” Information?
Rincker Law, PLLC provides clients with an estate planning binder so clients can keep photocopies of their Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Health Proxy, Trusts, and information regarding assets. I also recommend that clients complete this information sheet and include it in the estate planning binder. Furthermore, I also think it is a good idea to complete the …
Arguments Over Fencelines? Law of Adverse Possession
Sometimes farms and ranches may have fencelines up for generations and then one day a land survey will tell a different story. An article by Jay Girvin in the July 18, 2011 issue of Country Folks reminded me about this potential issue affecting the agriculture community. In these cases, the law of adverse possession applies. This is a common law …
“The Times They Are A Changin'” – But Is Your Employee Handbook Keeping Up?
In the words of Bob Dylan, “the times they are a changin.’” But I wonder if farms, ranches and agri-businesses are keeping up with the changing times. I recently read Don Tyler’s article in this month’s issue of the Feedlot magazine titled “Are Activists Courting Your Employees?” Let’s face reality — livestock operations should be concerned of the possibility that animal …
Blog Fodder Advice For Your Own Food & Agriculture Blog
I am oftentimes asked (by lawyers and non-lawyers) how I “come up with” ideas for blog posts. These people either have their own blog or are considering starting one. I am by no means an expert blogger, but for those that are interested, this is my own methodology: 1. I have a blog fodder file on my desk. Anytime I …
Fridays With Cari – Upcoming Webinar Series
Thanks to Ranch House Designs, there have been a few changes recently to www.rinckerlaw.com. I would like to bring your attention to the new “Events” page located here. Beginning in November, I am starting a new webinar series titled “Fridays with Cari” that will focus on a myriad of food and agriculture law issues including New York livestock animal cruelty …
Proposed Rule for Animal Disease Traceability
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 rule for Animal Disease Traceability. …
Happy Belated Labor Day
I hope all of my readers had a wonderful Labor Day. I had a great time at the New York State Fair over the weekend with my father. You can find several of the pictures that I took during the open beef show on my Twitter page (@CariRincker). I always gain a newfound passion for the food industry every time …
The Family Business: Hiring and Firing Family Members
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 seriously affect the day-to-day operations …
Finding Common Ground
A few weeks ago I had lunch with an attorney who works for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals (“ASPCA”). I am on the New York State Bar Association (“NYSBA”) Committee on Animals and the Law (“CAL”) with her. If you know me, have heard me speak, or follow this blog, you know that I have …
“Goodnight Irene”
“Good night Irene Good night…” I have fond memories from my days at Texas A & M University–that classic song plays every time the Dixie Chicken on North Gate in College Station closes down for the evening (you can watch Willie Nelson’s version here) to let everyone know to stop playing 42 and go home for the night. I decided …
Will Be Speaking on Farm/Ranch Partnerships at the AALA Symposium
I will be a panelist speaking on partnerships on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the American Agriculture Law Association (“AALA”) 32nd Annual Agriculture Law Symposium in Austin, Texas. The name of the session is “Partnerships: The Neglected, The Disaster and The Desirable Plan.” We will be talking about partnerships with farms, ranches and agri-businesses. The moderator for the session is …