Last week, I had the opportunity to present the 2026 Land Use and Resource Law Update at the American Agricultural Law Association Annual Symposium in Dallas, Texas alongside my friend and mentor, Jesse Richardson. Each year, we review some of the most significant court decisions from across the country involving agriculture, natural resources, property rights, and land use.

This year’s update covered a wide range of issues, including the growing debate over agrivoltaics and whether solar projects qualify as agricultural uses, important regulatory takings decisions from state and federal courts, interstate water disputes, right-to-farm litigation, agritourism liability, heirs’ property issues, renewable energy development, and emerging questions involving cannabis and hemp regulation. These cases offer valuable insight into how courts are addressing the evolving legal challenges facing landowners, agricultural producers, and rural communities.  

You can access or download our paper below to see what cases made the list!

To learn more about the American Agricultural Law Association, feel free to reach out to me or visit the AALA website for additional information.