Section Newsletters

Articles on Agricultural Law

Biofuel tax breaks—To be or not to be? By Jeffrey A. Mollet Agricultural Law, April 2012 The Senate Finance Committee subcommittee has been debating how (or perhaps whether) to extend the now expired and/or expiring alternative fuel federal tax incentives.
Federal court looks at antibiotic use in the livestock industry By Jeffrey A. Mollet Agricultural Law, April 2012 A summary of Natural Resources Defense Council, et al. v. FDA, in which the Court ultimately found that 21 U.S.C. §360b(e) (1) “unambiguously commands the Secretary to withdraw approval of any new animal drug that he finds not shown to be safe, provided that the sponsor of the animal drug has notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
Agricultural fun facts By Jeffrey A. Mollet Agricultural Law, March 2012 How about a few facts about agriculture that you can use to stump your friends at the coffee shop?
A new way of leasing—A looming need for Illinois land owners? By Jeffrey A. Mollet Agricultural Law, March 2012 A list of resources to consider when beginning a land use case.
2012 payroll update By Jeffrey A. Mollet Agricultural Law, January 2012 Many of our farmer and agribusiness clients don’t often understand the various tax and financial issues which necessarily arise as a result of having retained employees (or perhaps “independent contractors,” in many instances).
For what it’s worth—Odds and ends By Paul A. Meints Agricultural Law, January 2012 Recent tax and estate law updates of interest to agricultural law practitioners.
Estate and gift tax changes for 2012 By Mike Drone Agricultural Law, December 2011 Tax changes that will take effect in the next year.
Expiration of biotech crop patents—Issues for growers By Roger A. McEowen Agricultural Law, December 2011 The patent expiration of the first generation of Roundup Ready soybean trait in 2014 will be the first time that a major biotech trait will become potentially subject to competition with generic traits.
Expiration of biotech crop patents—Issues for growers By Roger A. McEowen Intellectual Property, December 2011 The patent expiration of the first generation of Roundup Ready soybean trait in 2014 will be the first time that a major biotech trait will become potentially subject to competition with generic traits.
Average adjusted gross income 2009 - 2012 By David Hoff Agricultural Law, November 2011 A refresher on the Adjusted Gross Income issue as applicable for the remainder of 2011 and all of 2012.
Federal agency backs off—Operators of farm vehicles not subject to CDL requirements By Roger A. McEowen & Erin Herbold-Swalwell Agricultural Law, November 2011 On May 31, 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a Notice seeking public comment on three issues relating to the applicability of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to operators of farm vehicles. Many farm operators and agricultural groups interpreted the Notice as an attempt to require Commercial Driver’s Licenses for operators of ag equipment.  
Apparently, “head-in-the-sand” is not a valid defense By Jeffrey A. Mollet Agricultural Law, October 2011 The recent case of U.S. v. Buchman gives practitioners guidance on what not to do to prove your case.
Painting a solution to Illinois’ trespassing problems By Michael Massie Agricultural Law, October 2011 Governor Quinn recently signed legislation amending the Purple Paint Law, allowing landowners to mark trees or posts with purple paint to signify "no trespassing" instead of the traditional posted sign.
Ask the Ag Law Expert—Or at least get a bunch of opinions! Agricultural Law, September 2011 The Ag Law discussion group, or list serve, serves as an open forum for Section members to post questions and seek responses. Get more details and sign up here.
Rising farmland values: Causes and cautions By Lewis F. Matuszewich Agricultural Law, September 2011 The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, on November 15, 2011, will hold a one-day Conference on the factors contributing to the large increase in agricultural land values and cash rental rates in the Midwest.
Country roads: Who owns them? By Robert F. Russell Agricultural Law, August 2011 After searching the records at the courthouse and at the county superintendent’s office, the sellers’ attorney should be able to determine whether the road or roads in question were established by statute or by a dedication that conforms with the Illinois Plat Act.
Rising farmland values: Causes and concerns By Lewis F. Matuszewich Agricultural Law, August 2011 The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago will hold, on November 15, 2011, an all-day Conference to explore the factors contributing to a large increase in agriculture land prices and agricultural cash rental rates in the Midwest.
Legal guide and Web site help small farm producers through maze of legal obligations By Nicholas R. Johnson Agricultural Law, June 2011 A new Legal Guide for Illinois Direct Farm Businesses identifies and explains the legal issues associated with selling foods directly to consumers at locations such as farmers' markets and roadside stands.
Roaming the prairie—Random thoughts on recent agricultural topics of interest By Jeffrey A. Mollet Agricultural Law, June 2011 Legal updates of interest to agricultural law practitioners.
Federalism and animal welfare: Court upholds California animal welfare rules By Nicholas R. Johnson & A. Bryan Endres Animal Law, April 2011 A look at the repercussions of National Meat Association v. Brown.
IDOT answers your questions: Farmers and the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Agricultural Law, February 2011 The following article, reprinted here from the Illinois Department of Transportation Web site, answers questions regarding how the FMCSR and the IMCSR apply to farmers and those who work for them.
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Agricultural Enterprise Exemption: Illinois appellate court provides new framework By David A. Kelm Agricultural Law, September 2010 As a result of the Third District's recent ruling, those who rely on the agricultural exemption to avoid workers’ compensation insurance should seek appropriate counsel as to potential liability exposure.
Packers and Stockyards Act bond claims ordered to be paid prior to resolution of Packers and Stockyards Act trust claims By Michael A. Mattingly & William J. Bolotin Agricultural Law, September 2010 With the Illinois Department of Agriculture's ruling in this year's Meadowbrook Farms Cooperative case, federal regulators should re-examine the issue of priority of payment of claims from PASA trust and PASA bond funds and clarify the priority of payment from the two funds.
Addition to futures and options trading “options” By Ann Hagerty Agricultural Law, May 2010 Recent additions to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange's selection of agricultural commodity contracts.
June 15, 2010 deadline for IRS / USDA consent forms Agricultural Law, May 2010 Note the new deadline to avoid any delays in the issuance of 2010 USDA program payments and the possibility of refunding 2009 and/or 2010 program payments
Tax Court again points out that care must be taken when establishing medical reimbursement plans By Roger A. McEowen Agricultural Law, April 2010 Want to make sure medical expenses are deductible? Pay close attention to recent court cases.
Public nuisance, private nuisance and trespass—Issues for siting a new Livestock operation By Jeffrey A. Mollet Agricultural Law, February 2010 The apparent decline of the livestock industry in Illinois seems to be the result of numerous factors.
Distinguishing marketing claims for grass-fed, organic, and pasture-raised livestock By A. Bryan Endres & Stephanie B. Johnson Animal Law, January 2010 In an effort to distinguish their products from those of competitors, some segments of the livestock and meat industries make labeling claims referring to special attributes of their product or process
My basement is a swimming pool—Can I move an easement to fix it? By Jeffrey A. Mollet Agricultural Law, December 2009 A recent appellate court decision may have an impact on your agricultural client’s access to the property it owns or operates.
New risk management and disaster guides available from FLAG Agricultural Law, December 2009 The following is from a recent press release from Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Inc. (FLAG), a nonprofit law center based in St. Paul, MN, dedicated to providing legal services to family farmers and their rural communities in order to help keep family farmers on the land. Certainly some valuable information for lawyers and farmers alike.

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