As I noted in this blog a few months ago, I am currently completing the Beef Quality Assurance (“BQA”) training through the New York Beef Industry Council, Inc. Last weekend, I have reviewed the Producer Certification Manual for the Mid-Atlantic region (which includes Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Maine, New Jersey and Vermont). After reviewing the materials, I …
Many people in the agriculture community like to complain about the law, but only a select few take the time to do something about it. In the recent Grassroots newspaper published by the New York Farm Bureau (“NYFB”), there is a great article by Jeff Williams (on page 13) about how a New York agriculture producer took the initiative to …
I am pretty excited to complete the Beef Quality Assurance (“BQA”) certification program. I registered with Carol Gillis at the New York Beef Industry Council . A $10 registration fee is required to help pay for the Mid-Atlantic Producer Certification Manual. After a cursory overview of the materials this morning, the manual seems chalk full of best management practices concerning …
I had a great weekend judging the New York Beef Producers’ Association‘s (“NYBPA”) summer preview show in Lockport, New York. There were around 66 kids participating with 112 head of cattle for me to sort last Saturday. Not only was I impressed with the quality of cattle and young people, but it was great to see so many wonderful families supporting NYBPA’s junior program. …
As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I am a member of Committee on Animals and the Law (“CAL”) for the New York State Bar Association (“NYSBA”). Last spring, I was appointed as a member of the subcommittee for the Student Writing Competition. The subcommittee is pleased to announce the Third Annual Student Writing Competition. The deadline for submission is …
It is a crime in New York to transport animals for more than 28 consecutive hours without 5 hours of rest along with available food and water. See N.Y. Agric. & Mkts Law § 359. If the owner or person in charge of the shipment provides written consent, then the livestock can be transported no more than 36 consecutive hours. …
Pursuant to N.Y. Agric. & Mkts Law § 359-a, there are specific requirements in New York for transporting horses. These requirements are New York specific. If you are interested in the requirements in your state, you should contact a local attorney. Pursuant to section 359-a(1), “[e]very vehicle utilized for the transportation of more than six horses shall meet the following …
I wanted to remind all my blog readers about New York Farm Bureau‘s animal welfare conference this Thursday, October 15th, at the Clarion Hotel in Albany, New York. A myriad of livestock animal welfare issues will be discussed. I will be a panelist for the day speaking about livestock animal cruelty laws in New York with Richard McNally, a former …
A few years ago, I was visiting a friend of mine in San Diego and we decided to attend a bull fight in Tijuana, Mexico. It was certainly an experience to say the least. I tried to appreciate the event from a cultural standpoint but as an animal lover, it was difficult to watch the bull fight. It reminded me …
Rincker Law, PLLC isn’t just on twitter – the firm just started a fan page on facebook. You can become a fan here for updates on firm news and events, blog updates, and agriculture law & policy. Feel free to join the conversation on the discussion board about various agriculture law and policy issues. Even though facebook’s genesis was strictly …
Though I love all types of agriculture production and sales, I have always been a fan of farmers’ markets. Perhaps its because I grew up helping my grandparents shuck fresh corn-on-the-cob, pick pumpkin blossoms, and sell cherry tomatoes to neighbors, but have always felt that farmers’ markets are a great way for the American consumer to reconnect with the amazing …