Lots of ag law news the last couple of weeks–let’s get you caught up!

Photo via Pixabay

* Update on Cedar the goat.  You all may remember this prior blog post about a lawsuit between a 4-H member and a number of defendants after a dispute arose over the fate of a show goat at the county fair.  Last week, the County, sheriff’s office, and three officers agreed to settle the case for $300,000.  The lawsuit remains active against the Shasta District Fair, the Shasta Fair Association, and several officers of these groups.  [Read article here.]

* Names circulating as potential Secretary of Agriculture nominees under Trump administration.  Farm Journal published an article listing 15 people sources have identified as being potential picks for Secretary of Agriculture by incoming President Trump.  Some of you may recognize my friend and prior podcast guest, Ray Starling, on the list.  If you want to hear Ray’s story, listen to his episode on my Ag Law in the Field podcast here.

* Lawsuit filed against City of Shamrock alleges water contamination killed 650 cows.  Kellen Allison Cattle Company filed suit against the City of Shamrock and petroleum producers seeking more than $1 million in damages for alleged water contamination that killed 650 cows. Plaintiffs used city water for their cattle and claim a water line was contaminated with sulfur.  [Read article here and Complaint here.]

* Brazos county stock law passes; implementation put on hold.  In this prior blog post, we discussed the stock law that was on the ballot in Brazos County.  Although the law overwhelmingly passed with over 70% of voters in favor, the Brazos County General Counsel has paused the implementation of the stock laws citing concerns with the way the orders were drafted and who was allowed to vote.  [Read article here.]

* US and Mexico agree to modification to 1944 treaty regarding delivery of Rio Grande water from Mexico to US.  In an ongoing dispute between the United States and Mexico over water deliveries, the countries have agreed to amend the treaty.  Read Statement here and article here.]  But as one article explained, this agreement comes too late for at least one Texas farmer.  [Read articles here and here.]

* EID rule now in effect.  You may recall that USDA’s final rule requiring electronic identification for some cattle and bison crossing state lines went into effect on November 5. We previously published this blog post outlining the requirements of the new rule and how it will impact producers.

*Colorado voters reject ordinance to ban slaughter facilities in Denver.  Voters in Denver rejected Ordinance 309, which would have prohibited slaughterhouses in Denver.  [We discussed this issue in this prior blog post.]  This would have impacted only one slaughterhouse, Superior Farms, a major sheep processing facility.

* Illinois Farm Bureau sued American Farm Bureau Federation.  An ongoing dispute between Illinois Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation resulted in a lawsuit this week.  In September, Illinois Farm Bureau allowed the elimination of Farm Bureau membership requirements for nonfarm insureds.  The American Farm Bureau Federation did not agree with this and eventually expelled Illinois Farm Bureau from membership.  Now, Illinois Farm Bureau has filed suit to get back in and for monetary damages. [Read article here.]

*Farm Hope project offers mental health support to agriculture producers and their families.  I am honored to be a part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M Telehealth Institute Farm Hope project.  We work to provide education, resources, and free counseling services to any agricultural producer or family member who might need them.  Our own Dr. Mikaela Spooner was recently interviewed about her work.  [Read article here.]

Upcoming Presentations

Next Friday, we will be holding our direct beef sales workshop, Where’s the Beef?, in Bonham, Texas. We are down to a handful of seats available, so if you are interested, sign up here!

On December 5, I will be presenting on the Top 10 Ag Laws of 2024.  The webinar is $35 and will run from 12 noon – 1 pm.  For more information or to register, click here.

To see a complete list of my upcoming presentations, click here.