I gave a presentation last Thursday at Lawline on Farm Leases. My powerpoint presentation can be viewed below. It discusses: (1) general considerations with farm leases, (2) active vs. passive income (and why it matters!), (3) types of farm leases, (4) lease provisions, (5) price/rent negotiation, and (6) a few other types of leases used on farming operations. [slideshare …
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 …
Overview of Common Types of Insurance for Farms and Food Entrepreneurs
There are many different kinds of insurance that farms, agri-business and food entrepreneurs should consider. The most common types of insurance for food and agriculture operations are as follows: 1. Farmers Comprehensive Personal Liability (“FCPL”) Policy (a/k/a farmowner’s insurance): Most farms use a farmowner’s insurance policy to cover the ordinary risks of a farming operation. This type of policy normally …
My Presentation on “Getting Paid” at the American Agriculture Law Association Annual Meeting
Had a great time at the American Agriculture Law Association (“AALA”) Annual Meeting this past week. I moderated a roundtable discussion on “Getting Paid: Billing and Collection Strategies for the Food and Agriculture Lawyer.” My presentation has none of the answers – only the questions! However, I did provide a substantive outline for the attendees that is located here. The …
Partnership Agreements for Farmers, Agri-businesses and Food Entrepreneurs
Farmers, agri-businesses and food entrepreneurs are highly encouraged to put the terms of an agreement in writing. Simple partnership agreements are also recommended for agreements to share ownership in one livestock animal, such as a bull, ram, boar, or show animal. Partnership agreements serve several purposes. First, absent a partnership agreement, the New York “default rules” will apply. Second, when …
Choice of Business Entity Blog Series: The “D/B/A”
I am oftentimes asked about the best choice of business entity for a farm/ranch, agri-business or food entrepreneur. There is no one-size fits all answer to that question as each type of business entity offers different strengths and weaknesses. It is important to pick the right business entity for your specific type of enterprise – the answer to that question may …
Wanna Let Food & Ag Lawyers Know What You *Really* Think? Now Is Your Chance…
I am moderating a roundtable discussion at the American Agriculture Law Association (“AALA”) annual meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 20-21, 2014 on billing strategies. I want to hear from farmers, ranchers, agri-business owners, and food entrepreneurs about your experiences with food and agriculture lawyers, especially those pesky bills! I developed a short survey on the topic – your …
Illinois Farm Family of the Year
My family was recently recognized as the Illinois Farm Family of the Year by the Illinois Beef Association for our beef cattle operation. It’s what took me home last week to the Rincker Ranch in Shelbyville, Illinois. Check out this video of my parents talking about our family farm!
Getting Paid: Alternative Billing Strategies for Food and Agriculture Lawyers
I will be moderating a Roundtable discussion at the American Agriculture Law Association (“AALA”) Annual Meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 21, 2014 on alternative billing strategies for the food and agriculture lawyer. The Roundtable will also be brought to you by the American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee. The Roundtable …
My Farm Lease Presentation
Happy Friday! I gave a presentation yesterday to the National Agricultural Law Center along with the great Tiffany Dowell. The below presentation focuses on active v. passive income, basic types of farm leases, and general farm lease provisions. Hope that it is helpful! [slideshare id=32186578&doc=nalcfarmleases-140311132029-phpapp01]