Surviving the Farm Economy Downturn

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The last few years have been difficult for many agricultural producers.  The combination of high input costs and low crop prices for many commodities have been a stark reality for many producers across the country.  Data shows that the number of farm bankruptcies across the South are increasing.   Recently, the Southern Extension Economics Committee published a paper called Surviving the Farm Economy Downturn: 2026 Update.  This paper features 24 articles providing information for landowners and agricultural producers to help them make decisions in the current economic climate.  From… Read More →

Texas Supreme Court Opinion Addresses Scope of Easement by Estoppel

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The Texas Supreme Court recently issued an important opinion in Boerschig v. Rio Grande Electric Cooperative with regard to implied electrical line easements and the scope thereof.  Background  In 1945, ranchers in Southwest Texas formed a non-profit Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (RGEC) to provide electricity to Co-op members in rural areas.  RGEC has condemnation authority and now serves eighteen counties in Texas and two counties in New Mexico.    In 1947, RGEC acquired a document titled “Right of Way Easement” that gave an unspecified corporation the right to place, construct, operate, repair, maintain, relocate, and replace an… Read More →

June Monthly Round Up

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Happy Monday!  We hope everyone is having a great summer.  While many folks are taking time off and vacation, that has not been the case for agricultural law news around the country.  Let’s look at some of the biggest stories for the month of June. * United States Supreme Court issues ruling in Monsanto v. Durnell finding state law labeling claims pre-empted.  Last week, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Durnell v. Monsanto.  You read about this case previously here.  The Court ruled that Mr…. Read More →

US Supreme Court: Failure-to-Warn Claims Preempted by FIFRA

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The United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Monsanto v. Durnell, holding state law failure-to-warn claims were preempted by federal law.  [Read Opinion here.]  Justice Kavanaugh wrote the majority opinion.  Justice Thomas wrote a concurring opinion, and Justice Jackson authored a dissent in which Justice Gorsuch joined.  Quick Summary  I know some of you are not going to read the lengthy explanation included below.  Here is the quick summary of the decision:  Mr. Durnell sued Monsanto in state court claiming failure-to-warn because Roundup does not contain a cancer warning.  Monsanto argued these claims were preempted by federal law. … Read More →

Summer on the Farm or Ranch: Legal Issues to Keep in Mind

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This article was co-authored with Kara Matheney.  With summer officially here, many folks are spending more time outside and on their land. Whether landowners are working cattle, fixing fence, hosting guests, or just enjoying time with family or friends, this time of year often brings a number of legal questions along with it.  I have been getting quite a few similar questions over the last several weeks, so I thought it might be helpful to walk through a few common legal issues that tend to pop up this time of year… Read More →

New World Screwworm in Texas: What Texans Need to Know 

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This article was co-authored with Karli Kaase and Kara Matheney.  On June 3, 2026, the New World screwworm was confirmed in a calf near La Pryor, Texas. This has caused concern across the livestock, wildlife, and veterinary communities and a response from both state and federal agencies.   As response efforts continue, understanding the risks and knowing where to find reliable information are critical.  What is the New World Screwworm?  New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Infestations can develop rapidly,… Read More →

Texas Rural Land Purchasing Checklist

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This checklist was co-authored with Karli Kaase, Student Assistant – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and Kara Matheney, Project Manager III – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.  To download a printable PDF copy, click here. Built on Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Owning Your Piece of Texas handbook, this fact sheet provides research-based guidance to help first-time and transitioning rural real estate buyers better understand key considerations when purchasing rural land in Texas. It is intended for educational purposes and reflects general principles of Texas landownership. Clarifying Goals and Budget Before beginning… Read More →

May Monthly Round Up

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May was an extremely busy month, both for agricultural law and for me!  Because of that, our Monthly Round Up is a couple of days late.  Let’s run through some of the biggest ag law developments in the last month. * House Passes Farm Bill 2.0.  The United States House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, known as the Farm Bill 2.0.  The Bill will now move to the Senate. [Read article here.] * US Supreme Court hears oral argument in Durnell v. Monsanto.  As we… Read More →

Traveling with Tiffany: Hitting the Road for Ag Law Programs Across Texas 

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One of my favorite parts of this job is getting out of the office and visiting with folks across the state. Whether it is a county program, conference, or workshop, there is nothing better than meeting landowners, producers, and Extension agents where they are and talking through real-world legal questions.  As we head into the next couple of months, the calendar is full, and I am looking forward to several opportunities to travel, teach, and learn alongside you all. If you have a chance to attend one of these events, please… Read More →

Working Ranch Radio Show – Eminent Domain: What Landowners Need to Know

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I was recently a guest on the Working Ranch Radio Show with Justin Mills.  We had a really good, practical conversation about eminent domain. Where does eminent domain authority come from?  How does the process work?  What do landowners need to keep in mind?  Justin asked great questions, and I think our conversation will be useful to landowners across the country!  Listen HERE.