Hello again from the Lashmet household.  I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.  Here are a few ag law stories in the news the past two weeks.

Pexels photo by Dan Hamill

*COVID-19 legislation and ag producers.  There have been a number of programs created by Congress in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The National Agricultural Law Center has created a website with great resources and frequently asked questions.  This is a perfect place to start diving into the details, determine how these programs may impact you, and look for information related to labor law, contract law, and other areas that may be impacted by the virus. [Click here for the website.]   One of the resources included is the report from my colleagues at Texas A&M Food and Ag Policy Center titled “Initial COVID-19 Response for Agricultural Producers,” which can be found here. Additionally, the National Ag Law Center will be having a webinar next Wednesday on these topics as well.  [Click here for more info.]

*What is a recession and what are its implications on for agriculture?  Dr. Justin Benavidez did a blog post this week answering these questions and raising several important considerations for agricultural producers. [View blog post here.]

*Estate planning in the time of COVID-19.  I was recently a guest on Paul Goeringer’s podcast talking about estate planning in the time of COVID-19.  We talked about the key documents that everyone should have in place and how the current situation may impact how those can be executed.  It’s a quick, 20-minute conversation on an extremely important topic. [Listen here.]

Upcoming Presentations

My next presentation will be an online program on estate and transition planning hosted by Van Zandt County AgriLife Extension on May 14, 2020 from 10-11:30.  As soon as I have information on how to register, I will post that on my Upcoming Presentations page.

As always, our Online Ranchers Leasing Workshop course is available.  Once you register, you can access the course anytime and you can re-watch any sections you would like to at your convenience.  For more information, click here.