Category Archives: Extension Publications

Preparing Farmers & Ranchers for the Evolution of Carbon Markets – Resources

Posted on by

Dr. Jordan Shockley, Casey Matzke, and I have been working hard to develop a library of carbon-related resources through grant funding from the Southern Extension Risk Management Education Center. In particular, our publications focus on what changes we are seeing in carbon markets, and what producers and landowners need to know going forward.  Whether you are someone who has already entered into a soil carbon contract, or someone who aims to stay far away from them, this information will be helpful in understanding the current situation regarding carbon… Read More →

New Fact Sheet: Key Legal Considerations for any Carbon-Related Agreement

Posted on by

We recently published a fact sheet on the key legal considerations producers and landowners should keep in mind before entering into any type of carbon-related agreement. The carbon market is changing and evolving, and it is critical to carefully review, analyze, and understand every term in an agreement.  As with many contracts, the cliche “the devil’s in the details” is often true with carbon-related agreements. This fact sheet walks through ten key issues everyone should consider before signing their name on the dotted line of a carbon agreement. … Read More →

How To Find an Agricultural Lawyer

Posted on by

“How do I go about finding an agricultural lawyer?” This is a question I am commonly asked by rural landowners and agricultural producers across the country.  While there is no single list or database to turn to, there are a few resources to help.  We have compiled these resources and suggestions in a new fact sheet.  You can download the fact sheet for free here. Also, do keep in mind a couple of key considerations when selecting any attorney.  First, make sure the attorney is licensed in your… Read More →

New Resource Available: Landlocked Property Law in Texas Fact Sheet

Posted on by

We’re excited to announce the release of a new fact sheet designed to help Texas landowners, agricultural producers, and rural residents better understand a common and often confusing issue—landlocked property. Photo by Karli Kaase What Is Landlocked Property? A landlocked property is one that has no legal access to a public road. This situation is more common than many might think, particularly in rural Texas. Whether the result of an old subdivision, a partition among heirs, or the sale of interior tracts, landlocked parcels can raise serious questions… Read More →

What Is ESG and Why Do Companies Care?

Posted on by

If you follow business news, you have heard the acronym “ESG” being used more and more frequently.  It stands for “environmental, social, and governance,” three key factors companies use to assess their sustainability and the ethical impact of their operation.  But what exactly do the E, S, and G stand for?  And why do companies care? I recently co-authored a fact sheet  answering these very questions and more.  Click here to review our fact sheet.

Wildfire: Preparing the Ranch

Posted on by

We are excited to announce the release of our most recent publication, Wildfire: Preparing the Ranch.   I was thrilled to be asked to join as a co-author on this handbook, which was primarily drafted by Dr. Morgan Treadwell, one of the nationwide experts on fire and rangelands. Our goal is to provide Texas landowners with practical information and tools to prepare for wildfires and to know what steps to take to protect their property, livestock, belongings, and people should a wildfire occur.  Having had to evacuate livestock… Read More →

Texas Landowner Border Law Handbook

Posted on by

We are excited to announce the release of our Texas Landowner Border Law Handbook! After fielding questions from border landowners via email, phone, and at presentations related to the laws applicable to their situation, we decided to write a handbook collecting information in one place.  Our hope is that this handbook can be a helpful resource for landowners looking to understand the applicable laws and contact the appropriate authorities for help. Download your free copy here.

Do You Have a Flight Plan?

Posted on by

We recently published a new fact sheet asking the question, “Do you have a flight plan?” Taking time to gather documents and build a flight plan is an important, but often overlooked part, of an estate plan. To learn more, click here.  

Updated Handbooks & Holiday Sale!

Posted on by

We’ve been working our tails off behind the scenes to get all our handbooks updated to reflect legal changes over the past year.  We’re excited to announce we have those handbooks all up to date and ready for you!  Remember, you can download a free PDF of these handbooks, or we sell hard copies. Owning Your Piece of Texas: Key Laws Texas Landowners Need to Know It’s our award-winning book with a beautiful new cover! This handbook is designed to offer a basic overview of several of the… Read More →

New Fact Sheets

Posted on by

My student assistant, Karli Kaase, and I have recently published three fact sheets featuring information on which we frequently get questions from landowners.  All are available to download for free. Easements 101 What is an easement?  What different types of easements exist?  What does the law require to recognize various types of easements?  We cover all of these questions and more in our “Easements 101” fact sheet.  Click here to download. Getting End-of-Life Documents in Order Although no one enjoys thinking about death, there are some basic end-of-life… Read More →