In 140 characters or less, the following people on Twitter answered that question as follows: 1. @PoppyDavis from Washington D.C. – “4 produce: FoodSafety regs that conflict w/ environmental regs & make farmers responsible 4 what happens in process & transit.” 2. @nycUlla from New York City and Delhi, New York – “I would say consolidation (anti-trust).” 3. @craig_leach from …
Results from NYSBA Animal Law Student Writing Competition
This past year, I was appointed on the Committee on Animals and the Law for the New York State Bar Association (“NYSBA”). As part of my Committee responsibilities, I am on the sub-committee for the student writing competition. The sub-committee is Chaired by Jessica Sonenshein from Proskauer Rose LLP and Vice-Chaired by Liam Castro from Koehler & Isaacs LLP. Only …
New Jersey To Vote On Open Space Funding Affecting Farmland and Rural Communities
Historically, the New Jersey Legislature has appropriated significant monies for Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Funding for the Garden State; however, since state revenues are down in New Jersey and the Garden State Preservation Trust (“GSPT”) is virtually depleted, the New Jersey Legislature left this issue for its voters to decide this November. The Green Acres, Water Supply and …
Farmers’ Markets in the Tri-State Area
Though I love all types of agriculture production and sales, I have always been a fan of farmers’ markets. Perhaps its because I grew up helping my grandparents shuck fresh corn-on-the-cob, pick pumpkin blossoms, and sell cherry tomatoes to neighbors, but have always felt that farmers’ markets are a great way for the American consumer to reconnect with the amazing …
Bryan Walsh Speaks Out On His Article in TIME Magazine
Over the last week the ag community has been in uproar over Bryan Walsh’s TIME Magazine’s cover story “Getting Real About the High Cost of Cheap Food.” Many agriculture organizations have been vocal about their disappointment of Walsh’s article including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (“NCBA”) (a radio interview on AgriTalk with Daren Williams from NCBA can be found here) …
New York Horse Breeders Arrested For Animal Cruelty Charges
In light of the arrest of horse breed Ernest Paragallo for the neglect and malnourishment of horses, New York horse breeders are concerned whether they are at risk for criminal prosecution. Paragallo, a well-known horse breeder in the racing community and a resident of Long Island, is facing 35 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty in Greene County, New York. After …
Will Be Attending New York State Fair
This has been a tough week for agriculture in the mainstream media. Not only did this TIME cover story “The Real Cost of Cheap Food” written by Bryan Walsh hit the newsstands but Nicholas Kristof published this editorial article in the New York Times where he argues that the family farm is dead and modern agriculture has taken the “soul” …
Farm Lease Considerations
Even though a landowner might be leasing his or her farm to family members, neighbors, or friends, it is highly suggested that the terms of the lease be memorialized in writing. This is particularly important since oral contracts involving a tenancy in land are not enforceable. There are several issues that should be discussed between the landowner and tenant. In …
Looking for Some Ag Tweeps?
Good, bad, or indifferent, social media is everywhere. . . especially in the agriculture industry right now. Mike Haley (a.k.a. @FollowFarmer and @FarmerHaley), a Simmental cattle producer in Ohio, compiled a significant list of all ag-focused tweeps on Twitter here. Both @CariRincker and @RinckerLaw are on this very expansive list of agriculture folks ranging from livestock producers to agriculture organizations, …
Ohio Puts The Livestock Care Standards Board To Vote
In the midst of Ohio 4-H County Fair season, the state’s legislature took the initiative this summer to try to create a 13-member Livestock Care Standards Board as an amendment to Section 1 of the Article XIV of the Ohio Constitution. The Joint Resolution of the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate passed on July 13, 2009; therefore, the constitutional …
Dairy Producers’ Blogs to Follow
Even though I grew-up on a beef cattle farm in Central Illinois, I have always had a strong appreciation for the dairy industry. I am excited to be back in the Northeast again where the dairy industry is extremely prominent. New York, for example, is ranked third in the United States for dairy production and the industry contributes more than …
NYFB Farm Animal Welfare Legal Conference
Rincker Law PLLC is scheduled to participate in this Farm Animal Legal Conference held by the New York Farm Bureau (“NYFB”) on October 15, 2009 at the Clarion Hotel in Albany, New York addressing the threat posed by animal activists to New York farmers. This is a very important discussion topic whether you are a small seedstock producer or a …