I recently wrote an article, available online here, for Progressive Cattleman Magazine on the importance of Right to Farm laws.  As the article explains, it is not uncommon for a U.S. agricultural operation to face complaints from neighbors about various things including  noise, smell, and dust caused by the farming or ranching operation.  Right to Farm statutes offer some protection to an agricultural operation in this situation. All 50 states have enacted right to farm laws.  Not surprisingly, the laws vary depending upon the state in which your… Read More →

On Tuesday, Missouri voters will determine whether to amend the state’s constitution to include a constitutional right to farm.  This proposed amendment has created significant debate among agricultural producers, organizations, politicians, companies, and interest groups. Missouri’s Proposed Amendment The proposed amendment would amend the Missouri Constitution to “ensure that the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices shall not be infringed.”  Specifically, if passed Article I of the Missouri Constitution would include the following language:  “That agriculture which provides food, energy, health benefits, and security… Read More →

Last week, an Indiana trial court upheld the constitutionality of the state’s right to farm statute  Amrstrong v. Maxwell Farms of Indiana Inc. [Read opinion here.] Background The farm property at issue has been used continuously as a farm since the early 1900’s. Gary Foulke owns the property and the finishing barn sitting upon it.  Maxwell Farms began placing hogs in Foulke’s barn in June 2007.  Foulke then finished out the hogs, caring for them from the time they weigh approximately 50 pounds until they weigh approximately 260 pounds. … Read More →