By Sam Ellis, Esq. When USDA says no, an unfavorable agency decision does not necessarily mean the matter is over. In “When USDA Says No: Understanding the National Appeals Division Appeal Process,” Sam Ellis, Esq., of Rincker Law, PLLC, explains what farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural program participants should know about challenging certain adverse USDA decisions through the National Appeals …
Agricultural Law Updates for Illinois Farmers and Agribusinesses: July 2026 reviews several recent federal and state developments affecting producers, processors, rural communities, and agricultural businesses. In the July 2026 issue of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Agricultural Law newsletter, Rincker Law attorneys Sam Ellis and Cari Brett Rincker co-authored “Ag Law in the News: July 2026,” an overview of developments …
Rural Attorney Shortages and Legal Deserts: How States Are Expanding Access to Justice examines a growing challenge facing rural America. Many rural communities do not have enough attorneys to meet the legal needs of residents, farmers, families, and local businesses. Rincker Law attorneys Sam Ellis and Cari Brett Rincker recently examined several efforts aimed at addressing this problem, including expanded …
Agricultural Law Updates for 2026: What Farmers and Agribusinesses Should Know examines several federal and Illinois developments that may affect farmers, ranchers, agricultural landowners, food businesses, and other members of the agricultural industry. Rincker Law attorneys Sam Ellis and Cari Brett Rincker recently reviewed major developments involving the 2026 Farm Bill, pesticide regulation, specialty crop assistance, antitrust enforcement, rural development, …
Rural Law Practice in the News: Addressing Legal Deserts and Expanding Access to Justice in 2026 highlights critical developments shaping the future of legal services in rural communities. This article is based on a recent publication authored by Sam Ellis of Rincker Law, PLLC, with Cari B. Rincker serving as co-editor in the Illinois State Bar Association Rural Practice Newsletter. …