Recently Katie Couric’s CBS special on antibiotic use on livestock has the agriculture industry (particularly the National Pork Producers Council) once again defending its practices to American consumers. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (“NCBA”) sent Dr. Michael Apley, a veterinary clinical pharmacologist from Kansas State University to Washington to visit with Congress about the use of antibiotics in the beef industry and visit with Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Rep. …
Urban Development: Is It Making It Too Hard For Children To Stay On The Farm?
This past week I was asked this very question and it made me think about the connection between urban development and our children who grew up in production agriculture who later leave the farm only to get a job in a metropolitan area. In this blog, I mentioned that this issue is creating a problem for agriculture estate and succession planning as some farmers …
Checklist: What Should New York Livestock Producers Do If A Peace Officer Asks To Investigate Their Property
If you remember last fall in this blog, I highlighed various livestock animal cruelty laws in New York. Like this Long Island horse breeder, many livestock producers in New York are wondering if they will be next. It is important for livestock producers in New York to understand that duly incorporated animal societies (principally the New York Society Preventing Animal …
What are Some Changes in Farm Animal Care Laws That Should Take Place at the State and/or Federal Level?
Last week on #AgChat on Twitter, @RinckerLaw posed this question to the “ag tweeps” during the forum discusssing animal care issues. You can read what folks on Twitter had to say on this question here. @CowNutritionist and @rosehartshuh both liked what Ohio did last fall with the creation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. @Amsjost believes that every farm …
Will Be a Panelist at the Sigma Alpha/Alpha Gamma Rho Leadership Seminar
I have been asked to be a panelist to speak on agriculture law and policy issues at the Sigma Alpha/Alpha Gamma Rho Leadership Seminar in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 20th from 1:15 to 2:45 pm at the Holiday Inn – Historic District Hotel located at 400 Arch Street. I’m really excited about this event for a few reasons. First of …
New York Agri-Women Are Now On Facebook and Twitter
Several women involved in the agriculture industry in New York are starting a New York affilate of the American Agri-Women Association (“AAW”) (a.k.a. @Women4Ag). I have always particularly admired strong female leaders involved in agriculture – afterall, we’re the ones really running this industry! (don’t tell the guys I said that). New York Agri-Women will give females involved in agriculture in the …
FOIL Requests to New York Administrative Agencies
New York farmers and agribusinesses should understand their right to information under the the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) and New York Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”). Last summer, I posted this blog which gave a step-by-step guide on how to make a FOIA request. For New York agriculture producers, I recommend reading this recent article of mine that describes more New York specifics to …
Update from NCBA Convention
I can’t believe that I’m not in San Antonio right now! I couldn’t make it for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (“NCBA”) Annual Convention and Trade Show this year since I had to be in court yesterday in Brooklyn. I have been keeping up on convention happenings by following tweets from #NCBA10. Yesterday, NCBA’s Young Producers’ Council (“YPC”) relected a fresh slate of …
Back from the NYBPA Annual Meeting
Had a great time at the New York Beef Producers’ Association‘s (“NYBPA”) annual meeting in Syracuse, New York. It was so wonderful to meet several cattle producers here in this beautiful state and I look forward to making some farm visits this spring and summer. I was overwhelmed by the welcoming spirit of New York cattle producers. It’s part of what I …
More Information On General Partnership Agreements for Cattle Producers
Last month, I posted this blog which gave a cursory overview of provisions that should be included in general partnership agreements. Recently, I uploaded this article on JD Supra which describes partnership agreements as they apply to cattle producers in greater detail. If you have been following this blog, you know that I highly recommend getting agreements in writing because at the end …
NYBPA Annual Meeting & Feeder/Winter Management Conference
I am looking forward to the upcoming New York Beef Producers’ Association (“NYBPA”) Annual Meeting & Feeder/Winter Mangement Conference January 22-24th at the Holiday Inn (Carrier Circle) in Syracuse, New York. If you’ve been following this blog, I certainly don’t hide the fact that I’m very passionate about the beef business. I am looking forward to meeting more New York …
Starting a New York Affiliate for American Agri-Women
I first heard of the American Agri-Women (“AAW”) (a.k.a. @Women4Ag) when I was interned on Capitol Hill for Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX). They are a national organization of women involved in the agriculture industry who help shape legislation at the national, state, and local levels. They have affiliates in several states but not New York. AAW is working with some …