One of the several topics that I will be covering on October 29th at this seminar at Pace Law School will be New York Cottage Food Operation Law (i.e., Home Processed Food or Home-Based Kitchens). I want to stress that the seminar is open to the general public (only $15) so I highly encourage my readers in New York to …
Build a Management “Team” For Your Family Farm or Agri-Business
One of the biggest hurdles in successfully passing down a family business (with any kind of family business) is training its successors. Same is true with family farming operations or agri-businesses, which require specialized knowledge and skill sets. Failure to do so adequately can mean the end to a family business with the manager deceases or is no longer able …
NBI Webinar: Estate Planning for Farmers and Ranchers
The National Business Institute (“NBI”) will be having a substantive webinar on October 3, 2012 from 11:00am to 6:00pm ET (that’s no typo – it’s a 7 hour webinar…). It’s a little pricey for a webinar but if you are interested in this topic (like me) then I think it’ll be worthwhile. Topics for the webinar include the following: (1) …
Registration Form Available for Local Food Law Seminar at Pace Law School
The registration form is available for the Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) Seminar at Pace Law School in White Plains, New York on Monday, October 29th on a survey of local food law. It is open to the public and the general admission is only $15. There will be approximately 20 minutes or so of Q & A so come ready …
Determining Your Goals For the Estate Planning Process
For those of you who have decided to charge ahead with an “estate plan” for your family, it’s important to really think about your goals of the estate planning process. Your objectives will help guide the entire estate planning process and will be a guidepost to your estate planning attorney in helping formulate the correct game plan. As a caveat, …
My Path Becoming an Agriculture Lawyer in New York City
Last month, I spoke to a group of Texas 4-H kids at a Texas A & M University via Skype about my work as an agriculture lawyer in New York City. I was asked to share a bit about my path and how I become an agriculture lawyer in the Big Apple. Here was my response: I grew up on …
New York State Farmers Markets
I was recently reminded of this expansive list of farmers markets (organized by county) throughout New York State by the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets. You can find the winter markets here. In New York City, GrowNYC’s Greenmarket, Community Markets and Harvest Home are the Big 3. I’m excited about the growth of farmers markets in both urban and …
Estate Planning is More Than Just Getting a Last Will and Testament
Many people think that “estate planning” is really just hiring a lawyer or downloading a program off the internet (which I do not suggest) to draft a Last Will and Testament. However, it’s more complicated than that. A good estate planning attorney will have you complete a questionnaire giving him/her information on your family tree, assets and liabilities in order …
Would Love Your Recommendation for the ABA Blawg 100
To my beloved readers… It’s that time of year again when the American Bar Association (“ABA”) is searching for the best 100 law blogs (“blawgs”). Last year, I made the coveted list and would love to do again.. but can only do so with your help. If you are a fan of this Food, Farm & Family Law Blog please …
Estate Planning Isn’t Just For the Elderly
Let’s face it. Estate planning is easy to push off. What’s another week… another month… another year… another five years… After all, I’m healthy. My spouse is healthy. We don’t have kids. We don’t have a lot of assets. I don’t care if what-little-I-do-have follows the rules of intestacy (i.e., the “default rules” if you die without a Last Will …
What Are Some Things That You Would Pay More For?
I enjoyed reading Troy Marshall’s article in Beef magazine titled “5 things I’d pay more for” (page 43 in the July 2012 issue). Troy states that there are a few items he thinks is worth extra money including (his Top 5): 1. Good genetics; 2. Good people; 3. Good equipment and tools; 4. Good horse; and, 5. Good boots. I …
My Presentation on Livestock Animal Welfare Law
Last May, I spoke at the Animal Agriculture Alliance (“AAA”) Stakeholder’s Summit on livestock animal welfare law. If you follow this blog then you know this topic is a passion of mine. You can view my presentation below. [slideshare id=13344363&doc=whenactivistscomecalling-120615170954-phpapp01] In case you missed it, here are a few other posts that may be of interest: 1. 5 State Approaches …