In this blog, “Farms, Family, and Fairness: How the Next Generation of Farm Divorces Will Shape Ag Businesses in 2026,” we explore how the intersection of family and business law is reshaping the future of agricultural operations and generational wealth. Divorce in a farm family can be one of the most complex legal events because it affects not only the …
Originally published in the Illinois State Bar Association Rural Practice Newsletter (October 2025 Issue). Reprinted with permission. Understanding the Rural Legal Desert Across the United States, access to justice remains an ongoing challenge in rural America. A 2025 Iowa State University study found that over half of all non-metropolitan counties now qualify as “legal deserts”—areas with fewer than one private-practice …
Many people are familiar with criminal, family, or corporate law but fewer understand what it means to practice agricultural law. During recent Q&A sessions with pre-law students at the University of Illinois, Attorney Cari Rincker explained what makes agricultural law such a unique and rewarding career path. Below we share, “From Farm Fields to Courtrooms: Understanding Agricultural Law (and Why …
Rincker Law, PLLC is delighted to celebrate Associate Attorney Regan McGuill Booth, who was recently recognized as a Featured Member in the Farm to Firm Newsletter published by the American Agricultural Law Association (AALA). This national recognition highlights Regan’s passion for agriculture, her impressive academic and professional background, and her ongoing contributions to advancing the field of agricultural law. A …
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 …
Passing the family farm from one generation to the next has always been a cornerstone of Illinois agriculture. But as land prices surge and operational costs rise, the dream of keeping farms in the family is becoming harder to achieve. The new Farmland Transition Commission, created under Illinois Senate Bill 2372, aims to tackle this growing challenge by studying ways …
One Big Beautiful Bill Act The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and contains key tax and spending policies. It permanently increases federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax exemptions to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for married couples. Cattle and Emissions Regulations The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) won …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …