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 …
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 …
For generations, farms across Illinois have been passed down from parent to child. But today, many families are asking the same big question: “How can I keep the farm in the family and ensure a smooth transition to the next generation?” Estate and succession planning is essential for any business owner—but it’s especially important for farmers. Unlike other industries, farms …
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 …
This project has nothing to do with law .. but my love for my son, my family’s farm and being a mother. Last April, I became a mother to a beautiful baby boy. During my maternity leave, I wrote a children’s book one morning. It’s a poem about Jace going to my family’s beef cattle farm in Shelbyville, Illinois and …
Estate planning can be a challenge for any family. When you consider multi-generational farm families, the process can become more complex. Every member of the family may have their own desires and opinions about the family farm, and this can lead to problems. For those members of the family that currently own the farm, it may be beneficial to consider …
You have dedicated your career to farming. You have invested your time and money into your farm. Perhaps you are part of a multi-generational farming family, and now it is your turn to run the business. Farmers must take the necessary steps to protect their farms when they plan to get married. The Purpose of a Prenuptial Agreement Many people …
This time of year is my favorite season — and sometimes I refer to it as Prenup Season. Why? Couples planning to tie the knot this spring or summer may be considering a prenup. I also posted a quick video here on the topic. Here are three tips for the betrothed who want a prenuptial agreement: The sooner, the better. …
New York Agri-Women will have its 4th Annual Meeting on November 14-15, 2014 in Auburn, New York. New York Agri-Women’s President, Prof. Sheila Marshman, has done a fantastic job rallying the troops to get the annual meeting organized. This year’s theme is “Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present, Shaping the Future” — a brilliant way to sum up how many …
I hope all my readers had a nice Thanksgiving holiday filled with good food, good friends & family and good memories. Thanksgiving is easily one of my favorite holidays of the year. I hope all my readers remembered to give #foodthanks to the people who toil the land and made our Thanksgiving meal (and every other meal) possible. This past …