Why I Heart Agritourism

Rincker LawFood & Ag Law 1 Comment

I was recently asked to speak about agri-tourism and it made me sit back and think about the benefits of agritourism into our community.  A big part of having an agriculture business is the relationship with the communities.  Most people with an agricultural business have a passion for it and want to share this with others.  People visiting an agritourism …

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Episode #2 of Ag Law Today: Employment Contracts

Rincker LawAg Law Today, Food & Ag Law, Podcasts Leave a Comment

Podcast #2 of “Ag Law Today” is now live!  Listen to MMA Lawyer, David Fish, talk about employment law contracts.  David had a great common sense approach to life and business.  Hear his words of wisdom here.

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Wanna Catch-Up on My Old Podcasts?

Rincker LawPodcasts Leave a Comment

So the cat is out of the bag –  I will be starting a new podcast soon with Purdue University Extension called “Ag Law Today”.  In preparation of entering this new podcasting, I have compiled my old appearances on podcasts.  You can view it here.  Happy listening and stay tuned for more info on Ag Law Today!

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AJSA North Central Regional Classic

Rincker LawAgriculture Production Leave a Comment

I will be at the American Junior Simmental Association (“AJSA”) North Central Regional Classic today in Springfield, Illinois.  Rincker Law is the business sponsor of the photobooth and I have been working on the opening ceremonies.  If you are there, please come by and say hello.  If you aren’t, then follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat!

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Illinois Agriculture Law: Farm Estate and Succession Planning

Rincker LawEstate Planning, Food & Ag Law Leave a Comment

This presentation will be given to the Illinois Beef Association this Thursday in Galina, Illinois, at its annual meeting. It discusses the differences between estate planning, succession planning and business planning. Then it delves into the Who, What, When, Where, How and How Much. It too discusses how to have those difficult conversations and using mediation in this process. [slideshare …

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Illinois Employment Law: Overview of Farm Labor Laws

Rincker LawEmployment Law, Food & Ag Law Leave a Comment

This expansive outline on farm labor laws was created for the 2018 Illinois Specialty Crops, Agri-Tourism and Organic Conference in Springfield, Illinois. It covers employment classifications (e.g., employer, employee, independent contractor), unpaid farm labor (e.g., internships, apprenticeships, volunteer farm labor, hiring and firing practices, wage and hour laws (including child labor laws), the Family Medical Leave Act, and employee handbooks.

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Agriculture Law: Overview of Farm Labor Law Issues

Rincker LawConferences and Meetings, Food & Ag Law, Slideshare Presentations, Speaking Engagements Leave a Comment

[slideshare id=86116441&doc=farmlaborlaws-whatyouneedtoknow-180113203306] I gave this presentation last week at the Illinois Specialty Crops, Agri-Tourism and Organic Conference in Springfield, Illinois. It gives an overview of labor and employment law issues that affect farms and small to mid-sized agribusinesses. It discuss employee vs. independent contractor classifications, unpaid labor, hiring practices, minimum wage and overtime, child labor, Family Medical Leave Act, employment …

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Illinois Agriculture Law: Open Burning on Farms

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Open burning is necessary for the practice of farming, but Illinois also has to balance that interest of farmers with the public interest in preserving clean air. For this reason, Illinois allows open burning for agricultural waste and landscape waste. Agricultural waste is refuse generated on site on a farm or ranch by crop and livestock production practices. What is …

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Top 5 Legal Issues for Illinois Farmers in 2017

Rincker LawFood & Ag Law Leave a Comment

I am speaking this morning to the Macon Co. Farm Bureau in Decatur, Illinois.  Here my Top 5 Legal Issues for 2017 (can you guess what they are?): [slideshare id=73385005&doc=maconco-170320224504]

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Are you a “DBA” in Illinois?

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law, Food & Ag Law Leave a Comment

There are several food and agriculture businesses that are a sole proprietorship or general partnership that operate as a DBA.  For example, my own cattle business is really Cari Rincker d/b/a Rincker Cattle Co.  My parents’ cattle operation is Curt & Pam Rincker d/b/a Rincker Simmentals.  DBA’s are ubiquitous in the food and agriculture industry.  However, have you cross your …

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Farm Machinery Purchase Agreements

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Buying farm machinery is a long term purchase and there are multiple ways to go about obtaining the equipment: 1. Outright Sale: An outright sale occurs when the ownership is transferred to the buyer and the seller is paid in full at one time. 2. Installment Sale: The buyer obtains immediate possession and use of machinery, but seller obtains payment …

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So What About Those Farm Pictures? The Legal Side of Farm Photography

Rincker LawFood & Ag Law, Intellectual Property Leave a Comment

I wrote an article recently on the legal side of farm photography, which can be accessed from my JD Supra page here.  The article gives a brief overview of the law of photography and the need for a model release and/or property release in some circumstances.  Happy reading!

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