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 insights.

Contact Info for Dr. Justin Benavidez

(Email) [email protected]

Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show

Big Beautiful Bill

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Capital Farm Credit,  AgTrust Farm Credit, Texas Corn Producers, Braun & Gresham, Plains Land Bank, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, and AgTexas

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 involved in agriculture, land use, or Texas water law—you won’t want to miss this one. 

Contact Info for Jim Bradbury

(Email) [email protected] 

(Website) http://bradburycounsel.com/

(Twitter) @jimbluewind

Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show

American Agricultural Law Association

Blog Post - Myers-Woodward, LLC v. Underground Services Markham, LLC

Myers-Woodward, LLC v. Underground Services Markham, LLC

Blog Post - Cactus Water Services, LLC v. COG Operating, LLC. 

Cactus Water Services, LLC v. COG Operating, LLC. 

Angelo's BBQ - Fort Worth 

Podcast Sponsors

Capital Farm Credit,  AgTrust Farm Credit, Texas Corn Producers, Braun & Gresham, Plains Land Bank, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, and AgTexas

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 rights, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Contact info for Robert Frommer

Website

Contact info for Joshua Windham

Website

Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show

Devillier v. Texas - Blog

George Mason Law Review Forum

The Open Fields Doctrine: America's "Uncommon" Mistake

Indochen

Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana

Podcast Sponsors

Capital Farm Credit,  AgTrust Farm Credit, Texas Corn Producers, Braun & Gresham, Plains Land Bank, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, and AgTexas

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

Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show

Farm House Vineyards: 

Texas Agriculture Legislation Newsletter:  

Podcast with Cassie Gresham on easements/landlocked property

TABC Winery Permit Information:  

Book - From Demon to Darling

Podcast Sponsors

Capital Farm Credit,  AgTrust Farm Credit, Texas Corn Producers, Braun & Gresham, Plains Land Bank, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, and AgTexas

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 which ag producers and rural landowners should be aware.

Whether you’re a landowner, ag attorney, or just curious about environmental issues in rural America, this episode is packed with insight you don’t want to miss.

Contact info for Jason Hill

(Phone) 512-806-1060

(Website) https://jthill.com/

Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show

Jason Hill Previous Episodes

Mary-Thomas Hart (PFAS and Agriculture)

Blog Posts on PFAS Cases in Johnson County

Matt's El Rancho

Spanky's

Podcast Sponsors

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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: [email protected]

Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show

Progressive Cattlemen Article

Dish Downtown

Podcast Sponsors

Capital Farm Credit,  AgTrust Farm Credit, Texas Corn Producers, Braun & Gresham, Plains Land Bank, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, and AgTexas

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 from a highschool project in 2002 and our family is so grateful that we were able to capture these memories.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us for Episode #200 of Ag Law in the Field, featuring the wonderful Lois Dowell. You won't want to miss it!

Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show

Episode #100 with Tiffany’s Dad

Gran’s favorite candy recipe  https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2023/11/01/taste-family-tradition

A couple of Gran stories

https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2019/06/01/one-dandy-scheme

https://alwaysafarmkid.wordpress.com/2024/05/08/gran-and-her-reward/

Podcast Sponsors

Capital Farm Credit,  AgTrust Farm Credit, Texas Corn Producers, Braun & Gresham, Plains Land Bank, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, and AgTexas

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: [email protected]

Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show

Prior Podcasts by Leah

Prior Podcast by Shannon Ferrell

Podcast Sponsors

Capital Farm Credit,  AgTrust Farm Credit, Texas Corn Producers, Braun & Gresham, Plains Land Bank, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, and AgTexas

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 with this issue and offers practical tips and pointers for families navigating this challenging diagnosis.

Contact Info for Chelsey Byers

(Email)  [email protected] 

(Website) https://extension.illinois.edu/staff/chelsey-byers 

Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show

Farm Families Coping with Dementia (FFCD) Study link - https://gpcah.public-health.uiowa.edu/dementia-educational/

Dementia Stats - https://dementiadatahub.org/explore-data/map.html

What is Dementia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s10iPESAHmI&t=1s

Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA):  In Texas, search by zip code here - https://resources.hhs.texas.gov/pages/find-services 

National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/

Alzheimer’s Association – https://www.alz.org/Alz.org

• • 10 signs of dementia - https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
  • Seeking help - https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/memory-loss-concerns
  • Getting a diagnosis - https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/medical_tests
  • Current medications - https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments
  • Legal documents and Alz - https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/financial-legal-planning/legal-documents
  • Support groups - https://www.alz.org/help-support/community/support-groups
  • Help line:  https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline

Succession Planning: https://www.fbfs.com/learning-center/what-you-need-to-know-about-farm-succession-planning

Having a conversation to stop driving - https://www.thehartford.com/resources/mature-market-excellence/family-conversations-with-older-drivers

Referral systems and Community Services

211 – a one stop shop that offers referral to services relating to basic human needs, health insurance programs and employment supports: https://uwm211.org/

Find local services for older adults:  https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx

Local Services: https://acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/finding-local-services

National Institute on Aging resources:

• Advance Care Planning: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning
• Long-term Care: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/long-term-care

U.S Department of Veterans Affairs resources 

Dementia caregiving resources and safety: https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Alzheimers_and_Dementia_Care.asp

VA Caregiver Support Program: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/

U of I Extension program - Communication challenges and strategies for helping people with dementia -  When an individual has dementia, communication can be very difficult as the disease advances. Forgetfulness, agitation, repetition, and mood fluctuations can make interactions and caregiving stressful and frustrating, and many worry that they will say or do the wrong thing and make matters worse. Learn about common communication problems caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and strategies for better interactions and visits.

Farm Hope is a program of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension & the Texas A&M Telehealth Institute offering free counseling services to any Texan involved in agriculture or their family members.  Contact Dr. Mikaela Spooner for more information at 979-436-0700.

Podcast Sponsors

Capital Farm Credit,  AgTrust Farm Credit, Texas Corn Producers, Braun & Gresham, Plains Land Bank, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, and AgTexas

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) [email protected]

(Website) https://www.ageds.iastate.edu/people/kristine-tidgren 

Contact Info for Dario Arezzo 

(Email)  [email protected] 

(Website) https://www.farmcrediteast.com/en/resources/meet-the-authors 

Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show

Considering the Residual Fertility Deduction

Podcast Sponsors

Capital Farm Credit,  AgTrust Farm Credit, Texas Corn Producers, Braun & Gresham, Plains Land Bank, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, and AgTexas