Monthly Archives: October 2023

Appearance on Capital Roots Podcast

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I was recently honored to be a guest on the Capital Farm Credit Capital Roots podcast with Joe Patranella and Clint Cryer.  We chatted a bit about my story and how I got involved in agricultural law, my kids’ Miniature Hereford showing experience, and my thoughts on farm and ranch estate planning. Click here to listen.

California Lawsuit Challenges Actions Involving Show Goat and Junior Livestock Sale

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A California family has filed a lawsuit challenging actions of a county fair association and law enforcement officers after an exhibitor tried to avoid selling her animal at a junior livestock show.  [Read Second Amended Complaint here.] Please note that all of the facts below were taken from the Second Amended Complaint for Damages.  The Defendants have not yet filed a response. Background E.L. (name protected as she is a minor child) owned a goat named Cedar.  She purchased the goat in April 2022 and cared for him… Read More →

2023 USDA Land Values Summary

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Earlier this fall, the USDA released its annual Land Values Summary for 2023.  [View report here.] Not surprisingly, the report indicates increasing values nationwide over the past year.   For “farm real estate value,” which takes into account the value of all land and buildings on farms, the US average value was $4,080, up 7.4% from 2022.  For cropland, the nationwide average value increased 8.1% to $5,460/acre.  For pastureland, the nationwide average value was $1,760/acre, up 6.7% from last year. The report also looks at various regional measurements. Farm… Read More →

October 13, 2023 Weekly Round Up

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Well, better late than never as the saying goes.  We’re sneaking in right before the clock strikes midnight with our recap of some of the biggest ag law stories in the news over the past few weeks. *SEC Chair testifies that privately held farms will be exempt from climate emissions reporting under forthcoming rule.  Last month, Gary Gensler, the Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission told Congress that the SEC intends to exempt privately owned farms from climate emissions reporting requirements when selling to publicly traded companies. … Read More →

Texans to Vote on Right to Farm Constitutional Amendment November 7

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*NOTE:  Texas voters overwhelmingly (79%) voted in favor of Proposition 1.* On November 7, 2023, Texas voters will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 1, which would establish the right to farming, ranching, timber production, and wildlife management into the Texas Constitution.   Background During the 88th Legislative Session, Texas lawmakers passed House Joint Resolution 126 (HJR 126). It is the language from this HJR that Texas voters will cast their ballots for or against in November.  HJR 126 reads as follows:   SECTION 1.  Article I, Texas Constitution,… Read More →