It is uncommon for agriculture producers and business owners to consider estate planning and succession planning for their agriculture operation in the midst of a divorce; however, divorcing farm families should consider this while negotiating the division of marital assets. These assets may include the farm or ranch business and its assets. After all, divorce is one of the Big …
As I noted in this post, I will be moderating a Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) webinar on May 29th at 2pm ET for the American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division (“GP Solo”) Agriculture Law Committee on 1031 Exchanges. (Whew- that’s a mouthful). Members of the American Agriculture Law Association (“AALA”) can attended at the ABA …
I am on the planning committee for the 2014 American Agriculture Law Association (“AALA”) Northeast Regional and helping organize the ag labor presentation from 11am to 12pm on June 6, 2014 at the University of Maryland, School of Law. Attorneys Karen Eichman from Kennett Square, PA and Arthur Read from the Friends of Farmworkers, Inc. in Philadelphia will give an …
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 …
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 …
I’m super excited for this upcoming webinar that I’m moderating next week on employment and labor law for farms and ranches. The faculty have put together outstanding materials for the attendees. The webinar is open to the general public. Lawyers will be able to obtain CLE credit. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to register to reserve …
I hope my readers had a fantastic Labor Day. I was beachside getting some R & R. Cornell Small Farms Program‘s Northeast Beginning Farmers Project will be offering an online course title “Planning for Sustainability – Writing Your Business Plan” where participants will hear from farmers, business management educators, and bankers about business plans. The course begins on October 4th and …
Big thanks to Jean Terranova (@JeanTerranova for you Twitter folks) for sending me the Food Law and Policy Career Guide by the Harvard Food Law & Policy Clinic and Harvard Food Law Society. I think it’s an excellent resource for folks interested in a career in food & agriculture law. The guide briefly notes areas of concentration including agriculture, biotechnology/GMOs, …
As I have noted in this blog on several occasions, duly incorporated animal societies in the State of New York have the authority to search and seize livestock. This article does a nice job illustrating the five state law approaches with using animal societies to enforce livestock animal cruelty laws. Ordinary Rights The majority of states have this approach. In …