Monthly Archives: September 2026

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 

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September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share resources that can make a difference. The need for mental health support continues to grow, particularly within agricultural communities and rural areas where unique challenges can often feel overwhelming. Suicide and mental health struggles impact countless individuals, families, and communities.  This is a particularly important conversation to me this year, after losing a dear friend to suicide over the summer.  One meaningful way we can support one another is by sharing resources… Read More →

September Monthly Round Up

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The ag law news continues to keep us busy during the month of September! * State of Texas takes action on data center projects.  Over the past couple of weeks, there have been a couple of major developments regarding the State of Texas and data centers. In August, Governor Abbott ordered the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to audit all data centers undergoing ERCOT’s interconnection process to ensure that the data center development does not jeopardize the reliability of Texas’ electric… Read More →

Texas Appellate Court Rules on Vehicle-Versus-Cow Collision

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The Eastland Court of Appeals recently ruled in Surrento v. Cactus Growers, Inc., a vehicle-versus-cow case involving a number of defendants.  This case illustrates a number of important considerations when it comes to Texas fence law. Background Brianna Surrento was killed when her vehicle hit a cow on the highway near the Doss Ranch. The Doss Ranch is owned by the Doss Foundation.  At the time of the accident, the ranch was leased to Jackie Warren.  Warren had entered into a grazing lease agreement with Jeffrey Carlisle, who kept… Read More →

2026 USDA NASS Cash Rent Rates Published 

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Understanding current cash rental rates is important for both landowners and agricultural producers. One of the most widely used sources of rental rate information is the annual USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) cash rent survey, which compiles data from respondents across the country. The rates reported in this survey reflect average cash rents and are shown on a per-acre, per-year basis. 

Deere Right to Repair Settlement Approved – What Does that Mean for You?

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John Deere recently settled a lawsuit brought by farmers who argued that John Deere improperly withheld certain repair tools needed to fix their large agricultural equipment like tractors and combines.  This “right to repair” settlement has important implications for farmers around the country who own Deere equipment and may provide compensation for certain repair costs incurred over the last several years. Background Farmers sued John Deere in Illinois federal court claiming the company restricted access to the software and digital tools required to diagnose and repair newer John… Read More →