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, …
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 Tradition and Technology in Agriculture
Last year, I spoke at the New York Farm Bureau (“NYFB”) Young Farmers & Ranchers (“YF&R”) Leadership Conference in Upstate New York regarding “Tradition & Technology” within the agriculture industry. I wrote this blog post last year summarizing my presentation; however, I thought I would revisit this topic today and post my presentation below. Regarding tradition, you might also like this …
For You Iowa Folks – Recommended Agriculture Law Book
I recently finished reading Pat Dillon‘s book titled “Field Manual: Iowa Farmer’s Guide to Legal Issues.” It’s a great book and covers all the basics ranging from contract law, crop insurance, estate planning, farm leases to bankruptcy. Dillion is a good writer breaking down complicated legal concepts. The Kindle version is only $5.00 from Amazon. I give the book …
Will Be Attending the American Agriculture Law Association Annual Agriculture Law Symposium
I will be attending the American Agriculture Law Association (“AALA”) Annual Agriculture Law Symposium on October 19-20, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. I highly recommend the conference if you are a lawyer or law student hoping to build a food and agriculture law practice. Registration forms will be available later this summer. If you are a law student, there are travel …
So What Exactly Is “Big Ag?”
I spoke last month on sustainability in “Big Agriculture.” It got me thinking. What exactly is “Big Agriculture?” How do we define what is or is not “Big Ag?” And when did it become a bad name? Is it whether a farm is owned by a family or a corporation? 97% of farms are family owned. What if shareholders of …
Presenter on Sustainability in Agriculture
I will be a panelist at this event on May 16th from 8:00 to 10:00 am with the Association of the Bar for the City of New York (“City Bar”) titled “Feeding Ourselves, Sustaining the Planet.” I will be presenting on sustainability developments in “Big Ag.” It is sponsored by City Bar’s Committee on International Environmental Law and the Committee …
Animal Law Mediation
I was recently asked whether I handle animal law mediation. And the answer is, “why yes I do.” I am a previous member of the New York State Bar Association Committee on Animals in the Law, New Jersey State Bar Association Committee on Animal Law, and the New York Lawyers’ Association Committee on Animal Law. I have also had …
Overheard at a Bar on the Upper West Side
Last night, I was having dinner at a bar on the Upper West Side. I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation from the table next to me. The gentlemen were (civilly) discussing a business partnership that had gone bad. They had a “handshake” deal that started out with great dreams together (“You used to say ‘our’ and ‘we.’”) and somehow …
Thinking About the Next Generation
The National Agriculture Law Center has reported that approximately 90% of agricultural operations do not survive the transition to the next generation. I have to say- that statistic is a bit alarming. The primary reason for this is poor succession planning. Estate planning is just one part of workable succession plan. Estate planning focuses on asset distribution while succession planning …
Upcoming ABA Crop & Livestock Insurance CLE
As part of my new leadership role with the American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee, I have been busy helping plan a Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) webinar on crop and livestock insurance. This program will lay down the fundamental building blocks for practicing either crop and or livestock insurance law. Please mark your …
“Fridays with Cari” Webinar Series Kicks Off Today
I’m excited for my new webinar series titled “Fridays with Cari.” I will be discussing a variety of agriculture issues with my Friday webinar series ranging from livestock animal cruelty law to estate planning. I believe that legal information should be affordable for everyone in the food and agriculture industry and I hope that my webinars will be educational to …