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 …
What Will Be The Biggest Agriculture Policy Issue of 2010?
I asked my “ag tweeps” on Twitter and this is what they had to say (in 140 characters or less): @itweetmeat – “Greater food policy legislation.” @allenlivingston – “I think Cap & Trade will be the biggest #ag policy issue 2010 – far reaching consequences.” @Fastline – “Animal rights will continue to be huge. Maybe something more for the dairy …
Tuesday Links
As I was trolling the blogosphere this morning, I came across some interesting posts that I thought I’d share: 1. Because I live in NYC and my country-self tends to be a little naive and trusting, this post reminded me that you can never be too careful (particularly in January with so much traveling taking place for conferences and livestock shows). And this post might …
Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Extension
A proposed bill named the Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Extension Act of 2009 (HR 3227 and S 1313) would extend the deduction that farmers recieve by donating produce to feed the hungry. It is currently being discussed in the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. Since I live in New York where I walk past hungry people …
Dates For Your Calendar
Winter is always jammed packed with agriculture conferences and livestock events. I wish that I was in Seattle right now for the American Farm Bureau Federation (“AFBF”) annual meeting. I’m still debating whether I will be heading to the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado next week for the Simmental Show. It’s my favorite cattle show (and this blog made …
More Thoughts For Your 2010 Estate Planning Checklist
I don’t know what it is about the first of the year, but it is always hectic. This has certainly been a busy first week of 2010. I have been catching up on my reading and came across a great article in last month’s newsletter from Barrett Easterday Cunningham & Eselgroth LLP, an agriculture law firm located in Dublin, Ohio. Russell Cunningham is …