Operating a successful farm or ranch today requires more than strong production skills and long hours in the field. Modern agricultural operations function as complex businesses that face legal, financial, regulatory and risk management challenges that can significantly impact long-term viability.

Springtime brings greener pastures, warmer weather and, for many seedstock producers, annual spring production sales. Production sales are the culmination of months and years of breeding, calving, growing and fitting in one or two sales per year.

Horses have been an integral part of livestock production since they were first imported with cattle by the Spanish in the early 1500s. While some modern ranches have transitioned to the use of “motorized horses” – all-terrain and utility-task vehicles (ATVs, UTVs) and dirt bikes – others continue the legacy of gathering, sorting, doctoring, branding and moving cattle by horseback.

Agricultural leases are an important tool heavily relied on by many farmers and ranchers across the U.S. agricultural industry. Although the parties are free to negotiate a wide variety of terms, agriculture leases should, at minimum, contain the “Four P's”: the parties, property, period and payment.

Because solar leases are long-term commitments and dictate the future use of the property, landowners should carefully consider a variety of factors when deciding whether a solar lease is right for them, their family and their land.