Category Archives: Estate Planning

May 1, 2015 Weekly Round Up

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Last week I made the journey to the Hill Country for the Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Conference, held in Kerrville.  Many kudos to organizer, Larry Redmond, for putting together an outstanding program!  To those of you new to the blog from the Conference, welcome! Here are some ag law stories in the news this week. *Texas Supreme Court Will Not Hear Bragg v. Edwards Aquifer Authority.  Big water law news happened today when the Texas Supreme Court denied petitions to consider an appeal in Bragg v. Edwards Aquifer Authority.  Stay… Read More →

Overview of Federal Estate Tax for Farmers and Ranchers

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I recently wrote a brief article for Progressive Cattleman magazine offering a basic overview of the federal estate tax, and specifically how it impacts farmers and ranchers.  The results of failing to analyze the potential liability and plan accordingly can be catastrophic for a farm or ranch that is required to pay the steep 40% federal estate tax.  To learn more, read my article by clicking here.  

April 10, 2015 Weekly Round Up

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Yesterday found me in Menard, Texas talking to local landowners about hunting leases.  Thanks to Lisa Brown for the invitation and welcome to those of you joining the blog from that presentation! Here are some of the ag law stories in the news this week. * Midland County to Purchase Land for Groundwater Rights.  Midland County officials recently approved the purchase of land to secure additional groundwater for the county.  [Read article here.] * USDA Proposes Modifications to “Actively Engaged in Farming” Definition.  The USDA has proposed changes to… Read More →

March 27, 2015 Weekly Round Up

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I spent this week on the road in San Angelo speaking at county programs in four different locations.  The turn outs were  great, participation was excellent, and I really enjoyed my trip.  Big thanks to County Extension Agents Raymond Quigg, Chase McPhaul, Josh Blanek, and Morgan Runyan for the invitation to present at these meetings.  To those of you new to the blog from these presentations, welcome! Here are some of the ag law stories in the news this week * Cantaloupe Lawsuits Settled.  You likely recall from… Read More →

March 6, 2015 Weekly Round Up

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*  Farm Bill Deadlines Extended Until March 31.  Last week the USDA announced the extension of farm bill deadlines, making all decisions due by March 31.  [Read article here.]  Producers will be allowed to make three decisions in connection with the Farm Bill:  whether to reallocate base acres, whether to update yields, and then elect between two payment programs–ARC or PLC.  To read more about these decisions, click here. * Article Discusses Underground Trespass Issue.  You likely recall from this post that the Texas Supreme Court recently avoided… Read More →

February 13, 2015 Weekly Round Up

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We’ve made it to the end of another week!  Here are some ag law stories making news. * Texas Supreme Court Could Hear Groundwater Case.  You may recall from this prior blog the Coyote Lake Ranch v. City of Lubbock lawsuit.  The Ranch owns the surface, but all groundwater rights were severed and sold to Lubbock by prior owners in the 1960’s.  As part of the contract for the water rights, Lubbock obtained the right to enter the land and drill water wells.  The Ranch is concerned that by… Read More →

February 6, 2015 Weekly Round Up

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This week I made the trip to Waco to speak at the Backlands Income Growth Conference on landowner rights and on grazing leases.  It was a great conference and I appreciate the opportunity to speak and to visit with producers.  Welcome to any new followers from the BIG Conference!  Here are some ag law stories in the news this week. * Court Dismisses Farm Bureau Lawsuit Regarding Farmers Privacy.  You may recall from this prior blog that the American Farm Bureau and the National Pork Producers filed a… Read More →

January 30, 2015 Weekly Round Up

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I’m not sure how the month of January has already drawn to a close, but I hope everyone has enjoyed the first 30 days of the new year!  This month has brought two great speaking opportunities.  First, I spoke to beef producers from Texas and New Mexico at the Southwest Beef Symposium in Amarillo, where I presented on legal resources for agricultural producers.  Last week, I traveled to Atlanta to speak at the Southern Dairy Conference.  There, I presented on how to prevent and survive and undercover video… Read More →

January 9, 2015 Weekly Round Up

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Welcome to our first weekly round up of the new year!  There are lots of ag law stories making news this week.  *New York Bans Fracking.  New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that he will ban fracking in the state this year.  A moritorium on the practice has been in place since 2008 and several local fracking bans are already in place.  With this ban, New York will join Vermont as the only states banning fracking, but will be the first ban in a state with significant… Read More →

New Year’s Resolution: Review Your Estate Plan and Beneficiary Designations

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In addition to finding your favorite party hat and gathering up the confetti to celebrate the beginning of 2015 on Wednesday evening, this is a great time to review your estate plan and beneficiary designations.  Because situations change–marriages are celebrated, children are born, deaths occur–it is important to frequently revisit and update your estate plan.  Here are some pointers to get you started. Draft Basic Documents.  First, ensure you have at least the basic estate planning documents in place.  This includes a will, power of attorney, medical power… Read More →