Foster Swift Agricultural Law News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – As farmers are committing to spending 12-14 hours a day sitting in their tractors and combines to bring in this year’s crops, they often multitask and thoughts turn to how the growing season went, the successes and challenges that went with it, and what 2023 holds for the business.

To assist with a few of the common legal dilemmas that those in the Ag industry face, the attorneys at Foster Swift are producing a series of short videos on “Legal Strategies for the Michigan Farmer”.

“Because of the scale and diversity of agriculture in Michigan, many different and complicated legal issues arise day-to-day” says Grand Rapids attorney and firm Ag Law practice group leader, Mike Zahrt.

These videos will be moderated by Zahrt and the first three sessions are available at the following links:

• Legal Strategies for Michigan Farmers: Entity Selection
  • This topic features Amanda Dernovshek discussing the importance of entity choice selection for farms and other agricultural operations along with descriptions of entities types and the pros and cons of each.
• Legal Strategies for Michigan Farmers: The Corporate Transparency and You
  • This topic features Rob Hamor discussing the upcoming Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), the broadness of the rules associated with the CTA, which entities the CTA will apply to, possible exemptions for those in the Ag industry, deadlines and penalties for businesses found not in compliance.
• Legal Strategies for Michigan Farmers: The Value-Add Component of Auctions
  • Doug Sheridan, Vice President of Sheridan Realty and Auction discusses the auction process, the importance of using an auctioneer consultant and why auctions are vital to the ag industry and succession planning for the family farm.

While presenters and topics are subject to change, among the tentative discussions to be featured in future videos include:

• Chuck Barbieri to discuss manure digestors and other environmental issues.
• Ryan Lamb to discuss aspects of immigration law such as H-2A visa programs and requirements specific to employers.
• Zahrt to discuss “How to begin talking about succession planning with your family”.

“While not a substitute for legal advice, these short, digestible videos should at least give farmers and agribusinesses a look at the importance of seeking guidance from attorneys that understand the business of Michigan agriculture as well as the laws that apply to the industry,” says Zahrt.

Be sure to periodically visit Foster Swift’s Agricultural Law practice page as videos will be continually posted as they become available: fosterswift.com/services-Agricultural-Agribusiness-Law.html.

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Since 1902, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC has provided comprehensive legal services to businesses, municipalities and individuals. The firm employs 100 attorneys and over 100 support staff in six locations; Lansing, Detroit, Southfield, Grand Rapids, Holland and St. Joseph.  For more information about the firm, its attorneys and to access recent publications, visit www.fosterswift.com.