“Firm to Farm,” the RFD-TV Business Blog by agri-legal expert Roger McEowen, dives into the agricultural law and business taxation topics important to American farmers.
Contracts
A carefully drafted will or trust can transfer property ownership. It cannot, by itself, rewrite federal program eligibility rules. For that reason, attorneys and CPAs advising farmers should include FSA participation in the standard estate-planning checklist.
Agricultural land is more than an economic asset. It is also a bundle of legal rights – and those rights may be narrower, broader, or different from what a landowner initially assumes. Understanding exactly what those rights are is essential to protecting farm and ranch property for the future.
While blockchain technology is not replacing wills and trusts, it is creating new planning opportunities and new risks that estate planners, CPAs, and financial advisors should understand.
Secured Transactions
While blockchain technology is not replacing wills and trusts, it is creating new planning opportunities and new risks that estate planners, CPAs, and financial advisors should understand.
In agricultural transactions, timing is often far more than a matter of convenience. A delayed closing or missed payment can lead to a major financial problem.
Did the Kansas Court of Appeals Go Too Far in Clark v. McKee?
Bankruptcy
A recent decision from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas addresses an important question: Can a farmer modify a confirmed Chapter 12 plan to extend payments on secured debt beyond five years from the date the first payment under the original plan was due?
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law dives into a “potpourri” of ag tax and law-related issues in his latest Firm to Farm blog post.
What is “gross income from farming” for purposes of Chapter 12 (farm) bankruptcy – that is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by Roger McEowen.
Farmland Real Estate
A recent Wyoming Supreme Court ruling reminds farmers and ranchers that disputes over land access are, ultimately, disputes over property rights.
The federal government is closer to a “Waters of the United States” definition that is narrower, more predictable, and more consistent with the Constitution—but farmers should not mistake this for the end of the WOTUS saga.
In his tribute to Dolly Parton, RFD News Contributor Roger McEowen explores how her East Tennessee farm roots shaped her work, philanthropy, and values, while offering a lesson on the importance of farming.
Want more agri-legal insights from Roger McEowen?
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Every day on RFD-TV, “Market Day Report” delivers LIVE coverage of agribusiness news, weather, and commodity market information from across the world.
Federal relief for highway use of red-dyed diesel does not automatically eliminate federal fuel taxes or override state laws, Washburn School of Law’s Roger McEowen warns.
A Wyoming Supreme Court ruling reinforces the importance of legally enforceable access to agricultural property. Roger McEowen explains the ruling and its implications for agricultural landowners.
Farm Legal expert Roger McEowen says oil-and-gas royalty deductions can depend on the lease’s specific language and the circumstances surrounding the gas sale.
Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation with the Washburn University School of Law
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The White House says a new agreement could eliminate the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico.
South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says conditions differ across the state, but producers remain focused on finishing harvest, managing their finances, and preparing for the next growing season.
Rising freight and diesel costs are making it harder to move hay between regions.
National Pork Board past president Dr. Gordon Spronk says ground pork can connect with younger consumers because of its affordability and versatility, which suit everyday meals and gatherings.
Sharply lower placements tighten future cattle supplies, while heifer numbers still show only limited evidence of meaningful herd rebuilding.
President Donald J. Trump announced the launch of the America First Seafood Strategy (PDF, 11.4 MB) and several actions the Trump Administration is taking to support the American seafood industry.
New grocery models are being explored as communities look for ways to keep local food access available.
As Canada and the United States continue to navigate trade disputes, the review offers farm groups an opportunity to argue for preserving access to integrated North American agricultural markets.
Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ SVP Curt Blades says lower farm income continues to weigh on tractor and combine sales as producers postpone major purchases. While recovery remains uncertain, he is optimistic heading into 2027.
September placements totaled 1.777 million head, down 12 percent from the previous year and the lowest September total since the series began in 1996.
Farm organizations say fuel and fertilizer costs are putting increasing pressure on family farms.