Farmers and ranchers know that the land isn’t just a workplace – it’s a legacy. For many agricultural families across the U.S., the farm has been passed down through generations, each one building on the hard work of the last. But with today’s changing economic, legal, and family landscapes, planning for that legacy has become more complex than ever. That’s …
Access to financing is essential for today’s farmers, whether it’s to buy seed, livestock, new machinery, or even farmland itself. But before committing to a loan, it’s important to understand the risks and obligations involved. Below, we share what every farmer needs to know about farm agreements in Illinois. Farm credit contracts can affect not only your financial stability but …
Divorce is never easy, but when a family farm is involved, the legal and financial stakes can become even more complicated. Many farmers facing separation wonder: what are the common issues in a farm divorce in Illinois? From dividing farmland and business operations to valuing equipment, debts, and inheritance, the process brings unique challenges. Because farmland often represents both income …
In today’s farming and agribusiness world, protecting IP: trademark basics for farmers and ag businesses has become more important than ever. Farmers and agricultural businesses are no longer just selling grain or livestock to local markets, they are creating recognizable brands, marketing products across state lines, and building reputations that need legal protection. Whether you are selling farm-branded beef, organic …
The relationship between landowners and tenants is at the heart of many agricultural operations. Illinois farm leases define how farmland is used, who bears the risks, and how profits are shared. Whether you’re a landowner looking to protect your property or a farmer wanting fair terms, understanding farm leases in Illinois is essential. In this blog, we share the most …
Prenuptial agreements aren’t just for celebrities or high-net-worth couples, they are a vital tool for Illinois farm families who want to safeguard their land and livelihood. Divorce can create serious risks for farmers, including the forced sale or division of farmland that has been in a family for generations. That’s why many agricultural families ask: what should a farm prenup …
Divorce is challenging under any circumstances, but when farm property is involved, the legal and financial stakes become even higher. Many farm families in Illinois ask a pressing question: Can my spouse force the sale of our family farm in a divorce? In this blog, we share how Illinois divorce law treats farm assets, what options you may have if …
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 …
Divorce is never easy, but when farmland, equipment, and agricultural businesses are involved, the process becomes even more complicated. The family farm is not just an asset—it’s a home, a livelihood, and often a legacy passed down through generations. In this article, Dividing the Family Farm in an Illinois Divorce: What Every Farmer Should Know, we share how Illinois courts …
Farming and ranching is more than just a livelihood; it is about preserving a legacy and a way of life. Unfortunately, many farmers and ranchers fail to create a comprehensive estate plan—or any estate plan at all. Without a proper estate plan, the family farm or ranch, passed down for generations, can end up being sold and converted to nonagricultural …
For many Illinois farmers, equipment is one of the largest and most important investments they make. Whether you’re purchasing a new tractor, leasing harvesters, or upgrading irrigation systems, these deals often involve significant financial commitments. In this article, Buying or Leasing Farm Equipment in Illinois: Legal Tips for Protecting Your Investment, we share key legal and financial considerations to help …
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 …