I’m currently conducting a blog series where each week I give an overview of the responsibilities of a government agency regulating our food and agriculture system. I think it’s a helpful reminder for everyone on just how complex our regulatory system really is. It’s a game of Who’s Who for government players in the U.S. food and agriculture economy. The …
Conversation Starters about Estate and Succession Planning for Farms
Don’t be afraid to have open and honest conversations with your family about estate and succession planning. “The only thing certain in life is death and taxes,” Ben Franklin famously said; so let us not make the topic taboo. In order for a farm or agri-business to successfully pass to the next generation (if that is what you want), …
My Presentation on Embryo Transfer Contracts for Cattle
Howdy from the Lone Star State! I’m speaking today on Embryo Transfer Contracts at the Texas Bar CLE Agriculture Law Conference at Texas Tech University, School of Law. Please find my below presentation and follow along with the outline here. In my presentation, I give a general background on embryo transfer in the cattle industry (although used in other species …
Using Social Media to be an Advocate for Agriculture
I developed the below presentation for the Oneida County, New York 4-H program a few weeks ago. The below presentation includes primarily screenshots illustrating use of social media to “tell the story” of agriculture to the American consumer. It’s been a few years since I have had a “Blogroll” – the presentation notes several nice blogs from agriculture producers, including …
My Presentation on Livestock Judging
This is no April Fool’s Day Joke. I know that this is a food and agriculture law blog but I figured some of my readers might be interested on my presentation on how to judge livestock – specifically, beef cattle, swine, and meat sheep. I judged competitively at Lake Land College and Texas A & M University in undergrad and …
Overview of Common Estate Planning Documents for Farms
Despite popular belief, the succession and estate planning process is more than just getting a Last Will and Testament – it’s taking a solid look at your estate planning goals and coming up with a plan that works for you and your family farm (no matter the size). I think it’s really important for family farms to “improve the default …
My Presentation on Local Food Law at Pace Law School
I gave the below presentation at Pace Law School last night. It was great being back at my alma mater. The recording is available for purchase from Pace Law School’s CLE program. Jason Foscolo handled the first part of the presentation speaking on direct marketing, food labeling, the Food Safety Modernization Act and raw milk. I touch upon several other …
Quick Summary of Trademarks for Farms, Agri-Businesses and Food Entrepreuners
Over the last year I have received numerous inquires from farms, agri-businesses and food entrepreneurs about the importance of trademarks and the application process. This post seeks to give a cursory overview of a few common questions that come my way. Trademarks vs. Service Marks Put simply, a trademark is an identifying mark for consumers in connection with particular goods …
Pace Law School: Survey to Food and Agriculture Law
Exciting news! I will be teaching a 1 credit summer course at Pace Law School, my alum, that will give a cursory overview of the laws regulating the U.S. food and agriculture system. The class will touch on the various practice areas affecting production agriculture and food entrepreneurs including farm programs, disaster assistance, environmental law, financing, right-to-farm, employment/labor law, livestock …
“Agvocacy”, Social Media and Livestock Judging
I will be speaking on agriculture advocacy (“advocacy”), social media (including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, Pinterist, Google+, Tumblr, Quora, YouTube, Instagram, FourSquare and About.Me), marketing online, and livestock judging at the Oneida County Cooperative Extension Office in Oriskany, New York on Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The cost for 4-H members is $10 and the cost for …
Picking the Right Management for Your Limited Liability Company
So you’ve decided to form a limited liability company — congrats on your new business venture. After filing the Articles of Organization with the Department of State and complying with any publication requirement, the next step is to draft the LLC’s operating agreement. In doing so, you must decide whether you want your limited liability company to be member-managed or …
Will Be Attending the New York Beef Producers’ Association’s Annual Meeting
I will be in East Syracuse on January 18-19, 2013 attending the New York Beef Producers’ Association’s Annual Meeting and Trade Show. You can review the two-day conference schedule here. I’m especially interested in hearing Dr. Bob Weaber’s update on trends with genetics, Dr. Keith Belk on the National Beef Quality Assurance (“BQA”) Audit, and Jeffry Huse from the New …