Rincker Law, PLLC is proud to announce that founding attorney Cari Rincker has been appointed the Editor of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Agricultural Law Section Council Newsletter. This appointment reflects her long-standing leadership in agricultural law and her deep commitment to supporting Illinois farmers, agribusinesses, and rural families with trusted legal guidance.
Why This Role Matters
The ISBA’s Agricultural Law Newsletter is a leading publication for Illinois attorneys practicing in food, farm, and agribusiness law. It covers critical topics ranging from farm succession planning, foreign ownership of agricultural land, and non-compete agreements, to the impact of new federal and state regulations. As editor, Cari will help shape the content that informs practitioners across the state, ensuring they stay updated on emerging laws and practical guidance that directly affect their clients.
Cari’s Recent Contribution: “Ag Law in the News”
Even before stepping into her role as editor, Cari contributed extensively to the September 2025 issue of the newsletter. Alongside her colleagues Sam Ellis and Regan McGuill Booth at Rincker Law, she co-authored “Ag Law in the News,” which highlighted some of the most pressing developments affecting farmers and agribusinesses today, including:
- Tax Law Changes – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act permanently raised estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax exemptions to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for married couples, reshaping succession planning for family farms.
- Cattle Emissions Ruling – A major court decision shielded cattle producers from new federal emissions regulations, a win for livestock operations across the country.
- Farmland Transition Support – Illinois created a new Farmland Transition Commission to help younger farmers gain access to farmland, addressing a critical generational shift in agriculture.
- Poultry Processing Expansion – The state expanded exemptions for small-scale poultry producers, raising the annual processing limit from 5,000 to 7,500 birds without triggering federal inspection.
- USDA Litigation – Courts ordered the USDA to restore certain grants and addressed labor union disputes, impacting thousands of ag-related federal employees and programs.
- Labor & Immigration – A federal court struck down a complex H-2A wage rule, simplifying compliance for ag employers, while immigration enforcement remains a major challenge for farms.
- Antitrust Litigation – Farmers moved forward with claims against pesticide giants Syngenta and Corteva over alleged illegal “loyalty programs” inflating costs by nearly 40%.
By curating these developments, Cari helps attorneys and agricultural professionals understand not just the letter of the law, but its real-world implications for Illinois farm families and agribusinesses.
Deep Roots in Agriculture and Law
Cari Rincker brings a unique perspective to her role as editor. She grew up on a Simmental seedstock cattle operation in Shelbyville, Illinois. Cari actively participated in 4-H, FFA, and national livestock judging competitions. Her early experiences fostered a lifelong passion for agriculture and rural communities.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M University, Cari worked on Capitol Hill through the Congressional Agriculture and Natural Resource Policy Internship Program, gaining first-hand exposure to agricultural policy. She later earned her Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law, completing certificates in Environmental and International Law. Cari also did agricultural law research for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
A Nationally Recognized Agricultural Law Leader
Today, Cari is a nationally recognized food, farm, and family law attorney. She is licensed in Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C. Cari manages Rincker Law’s national practice with offices across several states. Her expertise includes:
- Food and agricultural law – representing farmers, agribusinesses, and food entrepreneurs.
- Farm succession planning and estate law – helping farm families protect their legacy.
- Family and matrimonial law – with a special focus on mediation and custody issues for farm families.
- Commercial and general counsel services – advising businesses nationwide.
Cari has authored multiple books, including the Field Manual: Legal Guide for New York Farmers & Food Entrepreneurs and Family Law Issues in Agriculture. She also co-edited Onward and Upward: Guide for Getting Through New York Divorce and Family Law Issues.
Looking Ahead
As editor, Cari plans to continue bringing practical insights, timely updates, and diverse perspectives to the ISBA Agricultural Law Newsletter. Her appointment underscores her role as a thought leader and advocate for both lawyers and agricultural professionals navigating today’s complex legal landscape.
For more on Rincker Law’s agricultural law services, contact Rincker Law PLLC at (217) 774-1373.