https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us annalisa@buddfalen.com The difference between a fair easement and a long-term problem often comes down to easement terms that get overlooked. Estate planning, financial planning and other long-term strategies often get the most attention in discussions about keeping a ranch intact for the next generation – and for good reasons; those tools are critical to ensuring an operation can transition smoothly. The difference between a fair easement and a long-term problem often comes down to easement terms that get overlooked. Estate planning, financial planning and other long-term strategies often get the most attention in discussions about keeping a ranch intact for the next generation – and for good reasons; those tools are critical to ensuring an operation can transition smoothly.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63329 Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63329-easements-on-the-ranch-the-fine-print-that-can-follow-you-for-generations 63329-miller-dixon.jpg nlberry@nmsu.edu Property owners – especially those who operate a commercial enterprise – can be confronted with neighbors who view those commercial activities as infringing on the rights and privileges of the latter’s property enjoyment. This is certainly true for agricultural operations that can create byproducts others may find objectionable. Property owners – especially those who operate a commercial enterprise – can be confronted with neighbors who view those commercial activities as infringing on the rights and privileges of the latter’s property enjoyment. This is certainly true for agricultural operations that can create byproducts others may find objectionable.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63175 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63175-all-good-in-the-neighborhood-state-protections-for-ag-operations-and-the-public-welfare 63175-berry-getty.jpg garrett@bhlawgroup.com H.R. 1 (commonly called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act – OBBBA) included numerous provisions impacting agricultural operations (some positive, some negative). For today, we will focus on three. H.R. 1 (commonly called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act – OBBBA) included numerous provisions impacting agricultural operations (some positive, some negative). For today, we will focus on three.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62950 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62950-shifting-sands-adjusting-transition-plans-after-hr-1-obbba 62950-couts-obbban.jpg jordan@jhayeslawoffice.com For those of you who have been in the cattle production business for any amount of time, you have probably been burned once or twice by a handshake lease deal gone wrong. For those of you who have been in the cattle production business for any amount of time, you have probably been burned once or twice by a handshake lease deal gone wrong.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62659 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62659-key-terms-for-leases-affecting-ranchers 62659-HAYES.illustration.coreylewis.jpg kyle.weldon@wickphillips.com The recent proposal by EPA and the Corps is an effort to end the split implementation of the Sackett decision and more “adequately comply” with the Sackett decision’s interpretation of the scope of federal jurisdiction under the CWA. The recent proposal by EPA and the Corps is an effort to end the split implementation of the Sackett decision and more “adequately comply” with the Sackett decision’s interpretation of the scope of federal jurisdiction under the CWA.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62543 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62543-water-water-everywhere-no-more-post-sackett-updates-coming-to-wotus 62543-weldon-water-dixon.jpg tdowell@tamu.edu There were no shortage of legal challenges impacting cattle producers across the country in 2025. Here is a look at several of the biggest cases of the year. There were no shortage of legal challenges impacting cattle producers across the country in 2025. Here is a look at several of the biggest cases of the year.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62397 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62397-2025-agricultural-law-year-in-review 62397-lashmet-getty.jpg cmurchison@braungresham.com Cattle theft may look different today than it did back then, but that doesn't mean you can't protect yourself from it. Check out some practical advice to keep your cattle business safe. Cattle theft may look different today than it did back then, but that doesn't mean you can't protect yourself from it. Check out some practical advice to keep your cattle business safe.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61740 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61740-how-to-prevent-livestock-theft-in-the-21st-century 61740-murchison-theft.jpg austincvincent@gmail.com As autumn nears, ranchers and livestock owners across the country gear up to wean calves, take cattle or sheep to feedlots, or move livestock to winter pastures. But before you hit the road, there’s a crucial step: understanding the maze of interstate livestock transportation laws. As autumn nears, ranchers and livestock owners across the country gear up to wean calves, take cattle or sheep to feedlots, or move livestock to winter pastures. But before you hit the road, there’s a crucial step: understanding the maze of interstate livestock transportation laws.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61584 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61584-cattle-drives-preparing-your-livestock-for-interstate-travel 61584-vincent-dixon.jpg annalisa@buddfalen.com Think pesticide regulations only affect farmers? Think again. Recent changes to the federal pesticide registration process could limit how – and where – ranchers can use pesticides to manage rangeland resources. Whether you use zinc phosphide to manage prairie dog populations or malathion to control grasshopper outbreaks, these new rules may directly affect your ability to manage these pests. Think pesticide regulations only affect farmers? Think again. Recent changes to the federal pesticide registration process could limit how – and where – ranchers can use pesticides to manage rangeland resources. Whether you use zinc phosphide to manage prairie dog populations or malathion to control grasshopper outbreaks, these new rules may directly affect your ability to manage these pests.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61408 Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61408-new-pesticide-rules-arent-just-a-farmers-problem-ranchers-take-note 61408-miller-pest-control.jpg It is important to have a comprehensive estate plan for farm and ranch families to ensure smooth property transfer to the next generation. Here are 10 tools that can be used to help with the transfer. It is important to have a comprehensive estate plan for farm and ranch families to ensure smooth property transfer to the next generation. Here are 10 tools that can be used to help with the transfer.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61258 Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61258-10-estate-planning-tools-to-pass-your-farm-or-ranch-to-the-next-generation 61258-teague-estate-planning.jpg garrett@bhlawgroup.com We could extensively discuss the misuse of the phrase “estate planning” to describe what should be called “transition planning” for ag operations. Instead, I’ll simply summarize by saying an estate plan is more than just a last will and testament, and should plan for the remainder of your life as well as your intentions after your death. We could extensively discuss the misuse of the phrase “estate planning” to describe what should be called “transition planning” for ag operations. Instead, I’ll simply summarize by saying an estate plan is more than just a last will and testament, and should plan for the remainder of your life as well as your intentions after your death.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61096 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61096-estate-planning-hurdles-with-business-entities-and-trusts 61096-couts-edgar.jpg garrett.reed@mcafeetaft.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60983 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60983-when-the-gavel-falls-ensuring-your-next-production-sale-increases-your-assets-not-your-liability 60983-reed-sale-woolsey.jpg jordan@jhayeslawoffice.com What do these three things have in common? Most farmers and ranchers would tell you that they miss the “good old days.” You know, the days when a man’s word was much more trustworthy than any piece of paper. What do these three things have in common? Most farmers and ranchers would tell you that they miss the “good old days.” You know, the days when a man’s word was much more trustworthy than any piece of paper.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60800 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60800-grazing-leases-fencelines-and-handshakes 60800-hayes.coreylewis.jpg kyle.weldon@wickphillips.com Virtual fencing implements GPS tracking and collar-based deterrents to allow ranchers to manage cattle without the need for physical fencing. Virtual fencing implements GPS tracking and collar-based deterrents to allow ranchers to manage cattle without the need for physical fencing.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60667 Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60667-not-your-grandfathers-fence-legal-considerations-of-the-new-frontier-of-virtual-fencing 60667.weldon-coreylewis.jpg hzetzsche@bairdholm.com Agricultural land provides food, feed, fiber and fuel. At the same time, much of that land could also support clean electricity by housing utility-scale wind and solar energy installations. This can create conflict between competing land uses. Agricultural land provides food, feed, fiber and fuel. At the same time, much of that land could also support clean electricity by housing utility-scale wind and solar energy installations. This can create conflict between competing land uses.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60363 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60363-agrivoltaics-as-a-means-of-preserving-agricultural-land 60363-zetzsche-agrivoltaics-getty.jpg audra@audrasmithlaw.com Succession planning is being addressed across the nation to help farmers and ranchers plan to pass down an operation to the next generation. Succession planning is being addressed across the nation to help farmers and ranchers plan to pass down an operation to the next generation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60209 Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60209-moving-into-the-future-a-different-outlook-on-a-successful-succession-plan-for-farm-and-ranch-operations 60209-smith-illustration.jpg jordan@jhayeslawoffice.com If you own or lease any amount of rural land for livestock or crop production, then you have likely encountered obstacles arising from the division of the surface and mineral estates and the impact that can have on your use of the land. If you own or lease any amount of rural land for livestock or crop production, then you have likely encountered obstacles arising from the division of the surface and mineral estates and the impact that can have on your use of the land.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60037 Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60037-surface-protection-in-natural-resource-leases 60037-hayes-oil.jpg austincvincent@gmail.com In this day and age, the administrative state touches our lives more and more, especially in agriculture, where we have seen more regulations around water, natural resources and labor. However, regulations in the agricultural industry and the enforcement of those regulations are not new. In this day and age, the administrative state touches our lives more and more, especially in agriculture, where we have seen more regulations around water, natural resources and labor. However, regulations in the agricultural industry and the enforcement of those regulations are not new.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59935 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59935-tips-and-tricks-when-interacting-with-state-agencies 59935-vincent-ag-activism.jpg sarah@truittlegalgroup.com According to the USDA’s Land Values 2023 Summary, farm real estate value – a measurement of value for all land and buildings on farms – averaged $4,080 per acre in 2023. This was a 7.4% (about $280) increase from 2022. According to the USDA’s Land Values 2023 Summary, farm real estate value – a measurement of value for all land and buildings on farms – averaged $4,080 per acre in 2023. This was a 7.4% (about $280) increase from 2022.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59717 Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59717-accessing-agriculture-getting-started-in-ranching-and-farming-amid-rising-land-costs 59717-patterson-1.jpg garrett.reed@mcafeetaft.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59558 Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59558-from-the-horses-mouth-written-agreements-for-your-ranchs-equine-enterprise 59558-reed-shaking-hands-getty.jpg kyle.weldon@wickphillips.com On March 6, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted its final rules requiring the disclosure of certain climate-related information in filings with the SEC, including registration statements and annual reports. On March 6, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted its final rules requiring the disclosure of certain climate-related information in filings with the SEC, including registration statements and annual reports.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59356 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59356-secs-new-climate-disclosure-rules 59356-weldon-gettyimages-1369542949.jpg Most family farm and ranch owners hope that their operation will continue into the next generation. However, accomplishing this goal doesn’t just happen on its own. A well-drafted estate plan is essential, especially for agricultural operations. Most family farm and ranch owners hope that their operation will continue into the next generation. However, accomplishing this goal doesn’t just happen on its own. A well-drafted estate plan is essential, especially for agricultural operations.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59173 Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59173-a-legacy-or-a-lawsuit-what-are-you-leaving-behind 59173-teague.coreylewis.jpg garrett@bhlawgroup.com When I first came across the Corporate Transparency Act of 2021, I thought, “Oh, this is probably a Wall Street thing.” But turns out, it's actually an “almost everyone except Wall Street thing.” When I first came across the Corporate Transparency Act of 2021, I thought, “Oh, this is probably a Wall Street thing.” But turns out, it's actually an “almost everyone except Wall Street thing.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58983 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58983-a-lesson-on-the-corporate-transparency-act 58983-couts-1.jpg In order to keep an operation secure and ensure all different types of assets are properly identified and kept track of, consider these five tips. In order to keep an operation secure and ensure all different types of assets are properly identified and kept track of, consider these five tips.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58884 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58884-5-tips-to-reduce-risk-of-theft-on-the-ranch 58884-sponheim-cows-with-security-camera.jpg hzetzsche@bairdholm.com Water rights can make, or break, an agricultural real estate transaction. Irrigation rights alone were appraised at over $24 million in a deal this article’s author helped to close. Water rights can make, or break, an agricultural real estate transaction. Irrigation rights alone were appraised at over $24 million in a deal this article’s author helped to close.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58819 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58819-how-to-address-water-rights-in-an-agricultural-transaction 58819-zetzsche-water-rights.jpg audra@audrasmithlaw.com Whether you are a hauler, a buyer, a seller, an intermediate livestock auction, order buyer, dealer, packer and so on, there may be some legal considerations for you to take into consideration for your role in the process of hauling cattle. Whether you are a hauler, a buyer, a seller, an intermediate livestock auction, order buyer, dealer, packer and so on, there may be some legal considerations for you to take into consideration for your role in the process of hauling cattle.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58686 Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58686-legal-issues-transporting-livestock 58686-smith-sales-auctions.jpg tdowell@tamu.edu As 2023 draws to a close, there is no shortage of agricultural law news to reflect on over the past 365 days. Looking forward to 2024, many of these issues will remain critical issues for many agricultural producers around the country. As 2023 draws to a close, there is no shortage of agricultural law news to reflect on over the past 365 days. Looking forward to 2024, many of these issues will remain critical issues for many agricultural producers around the country.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58537 Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58537-agricultural-law-year-in-review 58537-lashmet-gettyimages-1666213276.jpg mark.sherin@osaicfa.com It has been said that everyone should have two exit plans. One for where they control each of the circumstances, including their health, timing, business cycles, needs of the next generation, etc. and another plan for when the circumstances are the boss. It has been said that everyone should have two exit plans. One for where they control each of the circumstances, including their health, timing, business cycles, needs of the next generation, etc. and another plan for when the circumstances are the boss.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58662 Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58662-sometimes-it-takes-a-leap-of-faith kyle.weldon@wickphillips.com Between high production costs, drought and other unpredictable market factors, there are many challenges facing those in the cattle industry. But one challenge no cattle producer wants to experience is when a buyer of cattle defaults on payment. Between high production costs, drought and other unpredictable market factors, there are many challenges facing those in the cattle industry. But one challenge no cattle producer wants to experience is when a buyer of cattle defaults on payment.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58432 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58432-breaking-in-new-laws-an-update-on-the-livestock-dealer-statutory-trust 58432-weldon.coreylewis-WEB.jpg garrett@bhlawgroup.com When someone hears “estate plan” they generally think “will.” However, for today, I want to focus on the other estate documents beyond a will – there are many! When someone hears “estate plan” they generally think “will.” However, for today, I want to focus on the other estate documents beyond a will – there are many!

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58201 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58201-estate-planning-options-beyond-a-typical-will 58201-couts.coreylewis.jpg