Year

2011

Estate Tax Hurts Disproportionately Affects Farmers, Ranchers & Business Owners – Repeal Possible?

Periodically we hear about a possible repeal of the estate tax.  The Farm Journal reports that several lawmakers have introduced a bill to repeal the estate tax, citing its disproportionate impact of farmers, ranchers, and business owners.  It’s true that the estate tax...
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Raw Milk and Uninspected Meat – Food Freedom or Safety Issue?

Minnesota man charged with selling unlicensed farm products, including unpasteurized milk and uninspected meat. What does this mean for Minnesota agriculture?
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Minnesota Agriculture in the News

Two lawmakers introduced a pair of bills that would place new restrictions on wind farm developments  – http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1446924 Baby Boomers need replacements: America wants youth farmers to step up –...
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Recreational Land Use – A Liability Risk for Farmers and Landowners?

Giving people permission to enter your land always involves some element of risk. Know what duty of care is owed to people entering your land to protect yourself from increased liability.
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Farm Business Planning – Begin thinking now

Last Monday, I had the opportunity to attend a farm business and estate planning seminar hosted by Riverland Community and Technical College and Minnesota Extension in Austin, MN (Mower County).  As you can see, it was very well attended. It was a great opportunity for farm...
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Farm Transition and Estate Planning Education Opportunity in Austin, Minnesota

I will be at an upcoming farm transition and estate planning workshop in Austin.  It will be a good opportunity for farmers to sit down together and learn more about this important topic.  I’m happy to share information about local educational opportunities for farmers. ...
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Certificate of Label Approval Available Online from TTB for Wineries and Winemakers

As part of my work in farm law, I have been closely involved in a new and developing area of agricultural law in Minnesota: vineyard and winery laws and regulations. While at the 7th Annual Minnesota Grapegrowers Association Cold Climate Conference, I attended a seminar hosted by...
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I am a Lawyer, I am a Mother, I am a Christian, I am hopeful.

I think it’s important that my clients know what to expect when they hire me, and part of that is knowing about my values.  I am a lawyer, and that means I will advocate for my client’s position.  You might think of me as a counseled adviser who speaks on you...
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Ways for Minnesota Small Estates to Avoid Probate

If you, unlike many of the people I talk with, have a will, congratulations on doing some estate planning for the sake of your family.  If you have ever lived through a grieving process while attempting to settle a loved one’s affairs, you know how draining, time-consuming,...
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Federal Estate Tax Changes for 2011 and 2012 – Increased Tax and Gift Exemptions Equal Flexibility

The 2010 Tax Act made some significant changes to the estate tax system that could affect your estate. Consider using the increased estate tax, gift tax, and generation skipping tax exemptions to your advantage through 2012.
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