Happy Friday from the Panhandle!  This week I traveled to Lubbock to speak at the Plains Cotton Growers Board Meeting on legal issues surrounding pesticide drift.  I really enjoyed the conversations at that meeting and want to welcome any new readers joining us from that meeting.

Here are some of the ag law stories in the news this week.

* President Trump nominates Brett Kavanaugh.  On Monday, President Trump nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.  [Read article here.]

*President Trump pardons Oregon ranchers.  President Trump signed full pardons for Oregon ranchers Dwight and Steven Hammond this week.  The Hammonds were convicted and sent to prison for arson after they started a prescribed burn  got away from them and burned up over 100 acres of federal grazing land.  Prosecutors argued that the purpose of the fire was to cover up poaching evidence.  Although the trial court judge initially imposed sentences lower than the 5-year statutory minimum, on appeal the Hammonds were convicted to 5 year prison terms.  [Read article here.]

* Tariffs between US and China could significantly impact agriculture.  Last week, President Trump announced tariffs on $34 billion of Chinese products, and China responded by doing the same to the US.  Agriculture is a major target of the Chinese tariffs. [Read article here.]

*Reminder to update insurance policies if property is placed into a business entity.  Hallock & Hallock recently published a blog post discussing the need to update insurance policies if ownership of property (especially a residence) changes from an individual to a business entity like a trust or an LLC.  This can be something overlooked when folks implement estate and succession planning tools and breathe a sign of relief after being done with that process.  [Read article here.]

*Tips for multigenerational ag operations.  Beef Magazine published an interesting article offering tips for families working in multi-generational ag operations.  Key takeaway?  “We can’t hold our breath and hope it’s just a phase that will pass.  We have to adapt and move forward.”  [Read article here.]

Programs Next Week

Next week will be a busy one!  On Monday, I’ll be speaking with my friend Stephanie Fryer in Cat Spring on estate planning.  We’ll cover everything from what forms to have to the probate process to how to use business entities.  To find more information, click here.  I know it says the registration deadline has already passed, but don’t worry about that, come anyway and just tell them you’re with the band!  No, honestly, we’ve got room for a few more, so if you are interested in coming you can just pay your $30 at the door.

On Tuesday, I’m speaking at the Texas Extension Specialists Association meeting in Fredericksburg on using blogs, podcasts, and social media in an extension program.  It’s my first time talking about this topic, so I’m excited to see how that goes.

Finally, on Wednesday, I’ll be in Georgetown for the Williamson County Land Expo speaking on agricultural leases.  Also on the agenda are my friends Morgan Russell to talk prescribed burning and Luke Ellis to talk eminent domain.  Click here for more information and contact Tyler at 512-943-3300 to RSVP.

To see all of my upcoming presentations, click here.