October Monthly Round Up

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Fall has arrived and brought a number of agricultural law developments along with it.   *Federal appellate court dismisses challenge to removal of lesser prairie-chicken from Endangered Species List.  The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit recently issued an order dismissing a challenge to a lower court order removing the lesser prairie-chicken from the list of covered species under the Endangered Species Act.  The court held that the trial court erred in now allowing two conservation groups to intervene in the lawsuit, but then held… Read More →

New Water Disclosure Form Important for Landowners Buying or Selling Property

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As of July 2026, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) adopted a new form requiring disclosure of certain water information in many land sales transactions.  This is a significant change, and it is critical issue of which landowners, potential  land purchasers, real estate agents, and attorneys must be aware. This development highlights something we have discussed on this blog many times: water can be one of the most valuable and complicated assets associated with Texas land. What Is It? TREC’s new Seller’s Disclosure about Groundwater and Surface Water… Read More →

Basics of Texas Water Law

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High Plains

I recently did a presentation for a great webinar series called Water Wednesdays, hosted by John O’Connell, a Coastal and Marine County Extension Agent. We did a basic overview of Texas water laws–certainly a hot topic around the state right now! You can watch the recording of the presentation. Additionally, we do have a handbook chapter on Texas Water Law available in our Owning Your Piece of Texas handbook.   We also have a podcast water law playlist.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 

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September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share resources that can make a difference. The need for mental health support continues to grow, particularly within agricultural communities and rural areas where unique challenges can often feel overwhelming. Suicide and mental health struggles impact countless individuals, families, and communities.  This is a particularly important conversation to me this year, after losing a dear friend to suicide over the summer.  One meaningful way we can support one another is by sharing resources… Read More →

September Monthly Round Up

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The ag law news continues to keep us busy during the month of September! * State of Texas takes action on data center projects.  Over the past couple of weeks, there have been a couple of major developments regarding the State of Texas and data centers. In August, Governor Abbott ordered the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to audit all data centers undergoing ERCOT’s interconnection process to ensure that the data center development does not jeopardize the reliability of Texas’ electric… Read More →

Texas Appellate Court Rules on Vehicle-Versus-Cow Collision

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The Eastland Court of Appeals recently ruled in Surrento v. Cactus Growers, Inc., a vehicle-versus-cow case involving a number of defendants.  This case illustrates a number of important considerations when it comes to Texas fence law. Background Brianna Surrento was killed when her vehicle hit a cow on the highway near the Doss Ranch. The Doss Ranch is owned by the Doss Foundation.  At the time of the accident, the ranch was leased to Jackie Warren.  Warren had entered into a grazing lease agreement with Jeffrey Carlisle, who kept… Read More →

2026 USDA NASS Cash Rent Rates Published 

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Understanding current cash rental rates is important for both landowners and agricultural producers. One of the most widely used sources of rental rate information is the annual USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) cash rent survey, which compiles data from respondents across the country. The rates reported in this survey reflect average cash rents and are shown on a per-acre, per-year basis. 

Deere Right to Repair Settlement Approved – What Does that Mean for You?

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John Deere recently settled a lawsuit brought by farmers who argued that John Deere improperly withheld certain repair tools needed to fix their large agricultural equipment like tractors and combines.  This “right to repair” settlement has important implications for farmers around the country who own Deere equipment and may provide compensation for certain repair costs incurred over the last several years. Background Farmers sued John Deere in Illinois federal court claiming the company restricted access to the software and digital tools required to diagnose and repair newer John… Read More →

USDA Land Values 2026 Summary Published

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In July, the USDA released its annual Land Values Summary for 2026, providing a snapshot of how agricultural real estate values have changed across the country over the past year. View the full report here.  The 2026 report continues to show strong growth in agricultural land values nationwide, with the value of farm real estate, cropland, and pastureland all increasing over the past year. The average U.S. farm real estate value, which includes the value of all land and buildings on farms, reached $4,500 per acre, an increase… Read More →

August Monthly Round Up

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As the summer draws to a close and students head back to school, the ag law developments continue around the country! * Hearing date set for John Deere right to repair settlement; claims due December 31, 2026.  The $99 million settlement between John Deere and class members impacted by its right-to-repair practices has been set for a fairness hearing in January 2027.  Notifications will be sent to class members starting August 28, 2026.  Class members, who are expected to number over 200,000, include anyone who purchased repair services… Read More →