I recently wrote an article titled “Checklist of Issues to Consider for Your Bull Lease.” I posted the article on JD Supra here.
Save the Date: Upcoming Ag Law Webinar on Insurance
I will be moderating a webinar titled, “Counseling Farmers & Ranchers, Agri-Businesses and Food Entrepreneurs on Insurance” on September 15, 2015 at 2pm ET (1pm CT) for the American Bar Association (“ABA”), General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee. Faculty members include Dominick Sekich, Mike Kelly, Maggy Gregory, Javan Grant and Rachel Armstrong. Faculty will give an …
Organic Growth for your Food & Agri-Business- Using Business Entities as a Risk Management Tool
I’ll be speaking this Sunday, January 26, 2014 at the Northeast Organic Farming Association (“NOFA”) of New York’s Annual Meeting in Saratoga Falls. My presentation is titled “Getting Prepared for Organic Growth: Using Business Entities as a Risk Management Tool.” My presentation will give an overview of the different choices of business entities, including sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, …
Stocker Cattle Contracts
There are several issues to consider when a cattle producer hires a stocker feeder after the progeny are weaned. Besides the payment terms and term, example issues include the following: 1. Feed and nutrition (including pasture quality and supplemental vitamins and nutrients); 2. Animal health (including vaccinations, veterinary care, deworming for internal parasites); and, 3. Control of pests (e.g., insecticides, …
North Carolina Farm & Food Law CLE – Contracts
I am excited to participate in the North Carolina Farm and Food Law CLE on October 17, 2013 at the North Carolina Bar Center in Cary, North Carolina. I will be giving an “Overview of Common Agriculture Contracts in North Carolina” including agriculture production contacts, custom feeding arrangements, farm leases, farm machinery agreements, and partnership agreements for farms and food …
Overview of USDA Agriculture Marketing Service
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 …
CSA Agreements – Get Them In Writing
Although most CSA’s do not have a written contract, I highly suggest that farms have a simple CSA Agreement signed by the subscribers. Not only does it help secure payment terms, but the CSA Agreement should mitigate potential liability in the case of a food safety issue arising from the mishandling or misuse of the food product. It doesn’t have …
Speaking at Texas Bar CLE Agriculture Law Conference on Embryo Transfer Contracts
I’m pretty excited to be present at the Texas Bar CLE’s 7th Annual John Hauffaker Agriculture Law Course on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Texas Tech University, School of Law on Embryo Transfer Contracts. It’s part of a two-day legal conference and you can view the entire schedule here. You can find my outline here.
Speaking at the Ohio Agriculture Law Symposium
I’m super excited to be heading back to the Midwest in June – I will be presenting at the Ohio Agriculture Law Symposium June 23-24, 2013 at Cherry Valley Lodge in Newark, Ohio. On Sunday, June 23, 2013, I will be discussing “Strategies for Developing and Retaining Farm and Agri-Business Clients” along with the great Allen Olson from the Law …
Contract Management for the Food or Agri-Business
I have been working on a contract management spreadsheet for a agri-business client of mine over the last month or so. I think this is a healthy exercise for all food and agri-businesses, no matter the size. It’s a nice way to understand who the company has contracts with, including Non-Disclosure/ Confidentiality Agreements with (potential) customers or employees/independent contractors. When …
Drafting Embryo Transfer Contracts for Livestock Producers
I will be speaking at the Texas Bar CLE Agriculture Law Conference on May 23-24, 2013 at Texas Tech University, School of Law on drafting embryo transfer contracts for livestock producers. I will also (very briefly) touch on artificial insemination, ultrasound, suggested sales terms from livestock breed associations, cloning, and a few other cutting edge topics affecting the seedstock livestock …