Ag Law in the Field

There are currently a number of transmission line projects being planned in Texas. These projects will impact landowners across the state. Luke Ellis joins us to talk about transmission lines in general, the PUC routing process, and eminent domain. Contact Info for Luke Ellis: Website Phone:  512-215-4078 Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show All Ag Law in the Field Episodes on Eminent Domain Prev...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  Long-time podcast listeners will know that this is an extremely important topic to me, and we recognize this each year with a podcast episode related to agriculture and mental health.  This year, I am joined by my friend, Ty Koonce, who talks to us about the new non-profit organization he is launching, Under the Hat, related to mental health in agriculture. ...

I'm excited to welcome my friend, Ross Pifer, from Penn State University Dickinson School of Law to the show.  Ross and I are chatting about the right to repair.  What is controversial about the right to repair?  Why is this such a concern for agriculture?  What should we know about the recent John Deere settlement?  Ross helps answer these questions and more!   Contact Info for Ross Pifer - Websi...

She's back!  For a third time, National Agriculrual Law Center Staff Attorney, Brigit Rollins, joins us to give us an update on Dicamba.  You may be aware that the Environmental Protection Agency recently approved three over-the-top Dicamba products for use in cotton and soybeans.  We talk about the history of the Dicamba registrations and litigation, what we restrictions are in place under the ne...

I had so much fun chatting with Chip English, a dairy industry lawyer based in Washington, DC.  Chip shares his unique childhood, the story of his career, and his advice for younger attorneys.  You don't want to miss this episode!   Contact Information for Chip English Website Email address: chipenglish@dwt.com   Links to Other Topics Mentioned  American Agricultural Law Association (AALA) Fore Sq...

I cannot tell you how many questions I've gotten about legal issues surrounding data centers on rural land.  Chris Nichols, an attorney who has worked on these deals in a number of different capacities, joined me to chat about the various legal issues that arise, questions folks should be asking, and what the future might look like when it comes to data centers.   Contact Info for Chris Nichols We...

It would not be the holiday season without our Ag Law Year in Review podcast episode.  My friend, Paul Goeringer, joins me to talk through our list of top ten ag law issues for 2025.   Contact Info for Paul: (Email)  lgoering@umd.edu (Twitter)  @aglawpaul (Blog)   http://agrisk.umd.edu/   (Podcast)   https://marylandagpodcast.org/     Topics Mentioned on the Show: Blog post discussing top ag law i...

I heard Misty Wilson Borkowski speak at the recent American Agricultural Law Association Conference, and I immediately knew we needed to have her on the podcast.  She joins me today to talk about how farms, ranches, and agribusinesses can prepare for immigration enforcement. Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show Contact info for Misty Wilson Borkowski Restaurant recommendation:  The Fold , Little...

In this episode, I welcome back Garrett Couts to unpack the often-confusing world of rights of first refusal and option agreements in agricultural land transactions. Whether you're buying, selling, or leasing property, understanding these legal tools can make a big difference in protecting your interests and planning for the future. Tune in to learn what these terms really mean, how they're used i...

In this episode, one of our favorites, Jim Bradbury is back, and he also brought special guest Lynn Sherman in to discuss the latest updates and developments in Texas groundwater law. From recent court cases to evolving management strategies, this conversation dives into the complexities of water rights,  groundwater  conservation districts, and how changing legal landscapes affect landowners, agr...

This episode dives into one of the most important steps in any land purchase: due diligence. Guest Audra Rod Smith joins the conversation to share practical tips and legal insights on what buyers (and sellers) need to know before closing a deal. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to approach land transactions with confidence and make sure you've done your homework before signing on the dotted line.   Contact...

It is time for our recap of the Texas Legislative Session when it comes to agriculture.  Our friend, J Pete Laney, is back with us once again.  J Pete and I talk through several key bills related to Texas agriculture this session.  It's always fun to chat with J Pete and get his on-the-ground knowledge about what's going on in Austin. Do note this episode was recorded on August 25, 2025.  With the...

I'm excited to be joined by my friend Dr. Justin Benavidez, who serves as the Chief Economist for the House Committee on Agriculture. We're going to dig into what's being called "The Big Beautiful Bill" and talk through what it really means for agriculture and rural communities. Justin brings a front-row perspective from the policy and economic side in D.C., and I can't wait for you to hear his in...

One of our favorites is back, Jim Bradbury!  We're diving into some major updates straight from the Texas Supreme Court. Listen in as we break down two pivotal cases making waves in rural and regulatory circles— Myers-Woodward and Cactus Water Services . These decisions could have far-reaching implications for landowners, water rights, and regulatory authority in the Lone Star State. If you're inv...

In this episode, we're diving into a critical legal issue that affects landowners across the country — the  Open Fields Doctrine . Our guests, Robert Frommer and Joshua Windham of the Institute for Justice, break down how this century-old legal doctrine allows government officials to enter private rural land without a warrant. If you own land, work in agriculture, or care about constitutional righ...

In this episode, we're joined by Cahil Murchison for an insightful discussion on the legal landscape surrounding vineyards and wineries. Whether you're a seasoned vintner or just exploring the idea of starting a vineyard, this episode offers practical guidance and legal insight to help navigate the complexities of the industry.   Contact info for Cahil Murchison (Phone) - 512.894.5426 Website   Li...

Today, we are diving into an incredibly important topic that's making headlines across the country—PFAS contamination and its impact on agriculture. Joining me for Episode #202 is Jason Hill, an attorney with extensive experience navigating environmental regulations and agricultural law. We'll explore what PFAS are, how they're affecting farmers and ranchers, and the legal and regulatory issues of...

Join us for Episode #201 of the Ag Law in the Field Podcast as we delve into the exciting world of Agrivoltaics with special guest Hannes Zetzsche! Discover how solar energy and agriculture can not only coexist but thrive together, offering innovative solutions for sustainable land use and power generation. Don't miss this insightful conversation!   Contact Info for Hannes Zetzsche Website Email: ...

Today marks a very special milestone for us here at the podcast. We are incredibly excited and honored to bring you our 200th episode! To celebrate this momentous occasion, we have a truly unique and heartwarming conversation for you. Today, we're stepping away from our usual legal deep dives to bring you an interview with one of my favorite people, Lois Dowell, my Gran. This is an audio recording...

In this episode we are welcoming back Leah Davis to talk about an important estate planning issue.  Before you leave land as an undivided interest, or inherit land titled this way, it is critical that you understand the concept of partition and how it can affect you and your land.    Contact Info for Leah Davis Website Email: ldavis@bmwb-law.com   Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show Prior Podcas...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  The topic of mental health is one that is near and dear to my heart.  Because of that, we host  podcast  episodes each year related to this topic.  To see a complete list of mental health-related episodes,  click here . Today, we are thrilled to have Chelsey Byers with us to chat with us about dementia and agriculture.  Chelsey has a vast array of experiences...

There has been a lot of buzz recently about the residual soil fertility tax deduction.  We've got the facts and advice from two of the best in the business on this episode with Kristine Tidgren and Dario Arezzo! Before you purchase land or take a residual soil fertility deduction, this is a must-listen!   Contact Info for Kristine Tidgren (Email) ktidgren@iastate.edu (Website) https://www.ageds.ia...

In this episode of the Ag Law in the Field Podcast, Judith McGeary delves into the intricacies of Texas Cottage Food Law. If you're a home baker, a small-scale food producer, or simply curious about the regulations surrounding selling homemade food in Texas, this episode is a must-listen.   Contact Info for Judith McGeary (Email)  Judith@farmandranchfreedom.org (Website) https://farmandranchfreedo...

Understanding your property tax bill is crucial for any landowner, but what happens when you think it's wrong? In this episode, we dive into part two of this series on protesting your property taxes with Dr. Blake Bennett. Learn about the steps you need to take to challenge your assessment. Don't miss this essential information for Texas landowners!   Contact Info for Blake Bennett (Email)  b-benn...

Understanding your property tax bill is crucial for any landowner, but what happens when you think it's wrong? In this episode, we dive into the first part of a series on protesting your property taxes with Dr. Blake Bennett. Learn about the grounds for protest, the necessary documentation, and the steps you need to take to challenge your assessment. Don't miss this essential information for Texas...