The Smart Way for Agribusinesses to Manage Legal Risk: Outsourced General Counsel

The Smart Way for Agribusinesses to Manage Legal Risk: Outsourced General Counsel

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Business/Commercial Law, Farm Business, Farm Law, Outsourced General Counsel, Risk Management for Agribusinesses

Running an agribusiness today is both exciting and complex. Whether you’re operating a fertilizer company, an ag-tech startup, a feed mill, or a family-owned food processing plant, growth brings opportunity and legal challenges. Vendor contracts, employee handbooks, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and expansion plans all require legal oversight. But most small and mid-size agribusinesses cannot justify hiring a full-time, in-house …

Share this Article
Why Illinois Farm Families Need Outsourced General Counsel: Protecting Land, Legacy, and Business

Why Illinois Farm Families Need Outsourced General Counsel: Protecting Land, Legacy, and Business

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Family Farm, Farm Business, Farm Closings, Farm Divorce, Farm Law, Farm Life, Farm Prenup Illinois, Outsourced General Counsel for IL Farmers

Running a family farm today involves far more than planting crops and raising livestock. Illinois farmers are expected to manage land, negotiate leases, comply with ever-changing regulations, and make sound business decisions — often while juggling multi-generational family dynamics. When unexpected legal issues arise, many farmers scramble to find help, only to be left with expensive hourly bills or lawyers …

Share this Article

Ask Cari: Should You Add Your Child to the Farm Deed?

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Estate Planning

What if I add my child (who also works on the farm) to the deed for the land and the title to the equipment? Will that automatically transfer the land and equipment to my child when I die, avoiding probate? While some types of joint ownership cause the surviving owner to receive 100 percent of the ownership upon the passing …

Share this Article
Illinois Farmers: Selling or Leasing Land for Solar, Wind, or Carbon Credits

Illinois Farmers: Selling or Leasing Land for Solar, Wind, or Carbon Credits

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Leasing Land for Solar Credits, Leasing Land for Wind or Carbon Credits

Illinois farmers are increasingly approached with opportunities to lease or sell farmland for renewable energy projects or to participate in carbon credit markets. These offers can look attractive—guaranteed income, diversification, and a chance to support clean energy. But they also come with long-term legal and financial risks. In this article, What Illinois Farmers Should Know About Selling or Leasing Land …

Share this Article
Should You Form an LLC for Your Farm? A Guide for Illinois Agricultural Businesses

Should You Form an LLC for Your Farm? A Guide for Illinois Agricultural Businesses

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Family Farm, Farm Business, Farm Law, Farm Life

For Illinois farmers, protecting your land, equipment, and livelihood isn’t just about good crops, it’s about having the right legal foundation. In this article, “Should You Form an LLC for Your Farm? A Guide for Illinois Agricultural Businesses”, we explain how forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can safeguard your personal assets, streamline ownership, and position your farm for long-term …

Share this Article
How to Legally Structure Your Illinois Farm Business for Growth and Protection

How to Legally Structure Your Illinois Farm Business for Growth and Protection

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Family Farm, Farm Business, Farm Law

Choosing the right legal structure for your farm isn’t just about paperwork, it can affect your taxes, liability, succession planning, and even your eligibility for certain programs. In this article, How to Legally Structure Your Illinois Farm Business for Growth and Protection, we share the pros and cons of common farm business structures in Illinois so you can select the …

Share this Article
Hiring Seasonal Farm Workers in Illinois: What You Need to Know About Ag Labor Laws

Hiring Seasonal Farm Workers in Illinois: What You Need to Know About Ag Labor Laws

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Farm Law, Farm Life

For many farms in Illinois, seasonal workers are essential to keeping operations running smoothly during planting, harvesting, and peak production seasons. But hiring help isn’t as simple as shaking hands and getting to work. In this article, Hiring Seasonal Farm Workers in Illinois: What You Need to Know About Ag Labor Laws, we explain the key state and federal rules …

Share this Article
Top 5 Legal Mistakes Illinois Farmers Make When Expanding Their Operation

Top 5 Legal Mistakes Illinois Farmers Make When Expanding Their Operation

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Farm Law, Farm Life

As agriculture evolves in Illinois, more farmers are expanding by buying land, diversifying crops, investing in agri-tourism, or scaling up operations. But growth can come with costly legal missteps. In this blog, Top 5 Legal Mistakes Illinois Farmers Make When Expanding Their Operation, we’ll outline the most common legal pitfalls and how to avoid them so your farm can grow …

Share this Article
Why Every Illinois Farmer Should Consider a Prenup Before Getting Married

Why Every Illinois Farmer Should Consider a Prenup Before Getting Married

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Farm Law, Farm Life, Farm Prenup Illinois

If you’re a farmer or agricultural business owner in Illinois, protecting your land, legacy, and livelihood should be a top priority especially when you’re preparing for marriage. In this blog, Why Every Illinois Farmer Should Consider a Prenup Before Getting Married, we’ll explore how prenuptial agreements can safeguard your farm, prevent future legal disputes, and provide peace of mind for …

Share this Article
Grazing Leases for Cattle in Illinois: The Ultimate Checklist to Protect Your Pasture, Herd, and Income

Grazing Leases for Cattle in Illinois: The Ultimate Checklist to Protect Your Pasture, Herd, and Income

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Animal Law

Grazing leases for cattle in Illinois aren’t just a handshake deal anymore—especially with unpredictable weather patterns, rising land values, and increasing liability concerns. Whether you’re a landowner leasing out pasture or a cattle producer looking to lock in grazing rights, a written agreement can make or break your bottom line. In this blog, we will share the ultimate checklist to …

Share this Article
How to Buy or Sell Farmland in Illinois: The Closing Process Explained

How to Buy or Sell Farmland in Illinois: The Closing Process Explained

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Farm Closings, Farm Law, Farm Life, General

Buying or selling farmland in Illinois is a significant financial and legal process. Whether you’re a farmer expanding your operation, an investor looking for agricultural property, or a landowner selling your family farm, understanding the closing process is essential. A successful farmland transaction requires careful planning, legal knowledge, and financial preparation. In this blog, we will share how to buy …

Share this Article

Cari Rincker was a Guest on the Inspiring Business Podcast with Mark Bullock

Cari RinckerAgriculture Law, Family/Matrimonial Law, Podcasts

I was a guest on Inspiring Business Podcast with Mark Bullock. Tune in for these key takeaways: * Transition from Farm Girl to Lawyer * Balancing Motherhood and a Law Practice * The Billable Mom Podcast * My Work in Mediation and Family Law YouTube: https://youtu.be/HvlnibgAQBw Check out the episode on any of the following platforms: Youtube Website Facebook Business …

Share this Article