The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) implemented a new final rule prohibiting employers from enforcing non-compete agreements against employees. A non-compete agreement essentially bans a worker from moving to another employer within the same industry for a set period of time, citing the employer’s privacy and competition concerns. Non-compete agreements have traditionally restricted employee mobility by preventing workers from joining competing …
The risk of suffering a data breach has never been higher. Small businesses are three times more likely than larger businesses to be targeted by cybercriminals.[1] The costs of a cyberattack, both in terms of financial and reputational damage, can be devastating to small businesses. Although many business owners are aware of the risks of a cyberattack, they have not …
You have spent years building your business, but at some point, the time will come for you to sell the company and exit. While many business owners choose to keep the company in the family, that is not always realistic. Family members may not have the interest or skills needed to run the business. In such cases, selling the company …
Solar energy projects offer farmers and ranchers a unique opportunity to diversify their income streams. However, before diving into a solar lease agreement, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies involved. In this first part of our guide, we will explore key aspects of solar lease agreements that every farmer and rancher should consider. Understanding the Structure of the Agreement Solar …
What is a land trust? The use of the phrase “land trust” can often lead to confusion, as it relates to a few completely distinct concepts. On the one hand, a land trust may refer to an estate planning tool wherein title to the land is held by a trustee at the owner’s request. On the other hand, a land …
For years you and your tenant farmer have been working under an oral agreement regarding the farming of your real property. Now, for whatever reason, you need to terminate that agreement. How do you do this? Under Illinois law, farmland leases are subject to very specific rule. Whether leased on a crop share, livestock share, cash rent, or hybrid basis, …
What is a Farm Equipment Lease Agreement? A farm equipment lease is a long-term rental agreement between the owner of farm equipment (the lessor) and an individual or company that wishes to use the farm equipment (the lessee) in exchange for cash rent. Farm equipment leases are far from simple agreements. A properly drafted agreement will navigate the following five …
I was excited to record this episode with Beth Rumley while I was in New York City a few weeks ago getting an update on where we are with animal confinement laws on this episode of Ag Law Today. It was an update from Episode 46 found here. I am an adjunct at Vermont Law School online and several of …
What is a Grazing Lease? A grazing lease is an agreement between a landowner (the “lessor”) and a livestock owner (the “lessee”) where the landowner agrees to let the livestock owner graze livestock on his or her land in exchange for cash rent. Given the number of potential factors at play, a grazing lease agreement can quickly turn into a …
There are a number of legal issues facing farmers on a daily basis. An attorney experienced in all areas of farm law can help guide farmers away from the potential pitfalls running a farm entails. Some of the ways a farm lawyer can help you set up your farm for success include: Estate and Succession Planning Setting up business structures …