We’re back with another collection of ag law stories in the news over the past couple of weeks.

*Over the counter antibiotics will require prescription starting in June.  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recently published an article looking at changes coming to how producers can buy certain antibiotics for livestock.  Starting on June 11, medically important antimicrobial drugs will require a prescription for purchase.  The article includes a list of products that will be affected by this new rule including penicillin, oxytetracycline, and more.  Experts advise producers should take the time now to develop a good relationship with their veterinarian so that if antibiotics are needed, a prescription can be obtained. [Read article here.]

*Understanding a farm insurance policy.  Robert Moore at Ohio State University is currently writing a blog series discussing farm insurance policies.  In his first post, he gave a great overview of how to read and understand your farm and ranch insurance policy.  [Read post here.]  His second post looked at how to obtain, manage, and maintain an insurance policy for your farm or ranch.  [Read post here.]

*National Black Farmers Association files suit against USDA.  The National Black Farmers Association has filed suit against USDA after USDA announced in the American Rescue Plan that it would help farmers of color pay off delinquent farm loans, but then did not do so. They argue that the promises made by USDA caused some growers to make new investments in their farms, which are now in financial jeopardy because the debt relief announced in the American Rescue Plan for farmers of color was repealed by the Inflation Reduction Act.  [Read article here.]

 *Numerous states consider prohibitions on foreign ownership of agricultural land.  Foreign ag land ownership has been a very popular topic recently.  Micah Brown from the National Agricultural Law Center was recently interviewed by Farm Press about the proposals currently pending in legislatures across the country.  [Read article here.]  Micah was also recently a guest on my Ag Law in the Field Podcast, where we discussed the same topic.  [Listen here.]

*Living the good life.  I recently published an article talking about a realization I recently had while at a livestock show with my kiddos as part of the Progressive Farmer Our Rural Roots column.  [Read article here.]  Speaking of livestock shows, I’m going to take a minute to brag on my daughter who won Grand Champion honors with her Miniature Hereford steers recently at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition.  We’re really proud of her!

Upcoming Presentations

Next up, I’ll be on the road to kick off our 2023 Ranchers Leasing Workshops in Waco on February 27.  [More info here.]  The next day, I’ll be headed to Houston to speak at the 2023 HLSR Ranching and Wildlife Expo Educational Seminars on legal issues related to pesticide and herbicide application.  [More info here.]  After that, I’ll complete the trifecta for the week by discussing key ag law issues with the Online Master Marketer course on March 1.

For a complete list of my upcoming presentations, click here.