Hot Topics in Agricultural Law – 2012

 

Because farms are often family-owned operations that generate an income from toiling among the soil, it is important that agricultural law practitioners stay up to date on a wide variety of legal topics – from taxes and environmental concerns to bankruptcy, marriage, and real estate issues. Join us for this full-day seminar that provides you with an update on several hot topic areas, including: the current and future estate/gift tax bill; direct farm business operations and bioenergy developments; income tax changes and their effect on production agriculture; agriculture insolvency; civil unions and the real estate practice; herbicide litigation; agreements and easements for agricultural real estate; and much more. Important ethical issues and the prevention of malpractice actions are also examined. Attorneys dealing with any aspect of agricultural law will benefit from the information presented throughout this seminar.

 

 

 

 

With the end of the existing estate and gift tax bill in sight – and the uncertainties of a new tax bill looming ahead – it is imperative that attorneys keep abreast of the ongoing changes in estate tax law. This segment explores recent estate tax updates and addresses the opportunities presented by the existing estate and gift tax bill.

 

This comprehensive overview explores important Federal and Illinois tax legislation that has been enacted within the last year. Pronouncements from the IRS, specific court cases, and the effects of income tax changes on taxpayers involved in production agriculture are also examined.

 

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Break (beverages provided)

 

This “hot topic” presentation highlights the recent state/federal legislation, regulation, and case laws that have impacted the production of food, feed, fiber, and bioenergy. The ongoing developments within direct farm business operations are also discussed.

 

Gain a better understanding of agricultural bankruptcy and other debtor/creditor issues with this in-depth review of the current developments in agricultural law. Topics include: understanding agriculture insolvency; recent case developments; and Chapter 11 and 13 bankruptcy (as they relate to farmers). A myriad of other miscellaneous farm litigation issues are also examined,  including Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), herbicide litigation, farm personal property leases, marshaling, corralling, and splitting the herd.

 

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Lunch (on your own)

 

In this segment, the speaker explores the impact of the Illinois Civil Union Act and its effect on the real estate practice in Illinois.

 

Rapidly escalating Illinois land values have exposed many farm estates to the Illinois Estate tax. This invaluable session provides an in-depth look at how the Illinois Estate tax affects farm estates, while also offering tips for minimizing the impact of the tax on your farm client.

 

2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Break (refreshments provided)

 

Agreements and easements involving agricultural real estate that often appear recorded in the public records are discussed, including manure easements, shared drive agreements, shared well agreements, conservation easements, and wind farm leases. A review of important legal documents is included.

 

Examine the numerous ethical issues an attorney must consider when practicing in the agricultural law field and get tips/advice on the prevention of malpractice actions!