Insights

Minnesota’s Corporate Farm
Modern farming is a business, and it is extremely common to see even small operations owning farmland in a partnership, LLC, corporation or trust. Even so, Minnesota law restricts the ownership of agricultural real estate by business entities and trusts.
Who Can Own Minnesota Farmland?
Minnesota’s ...Read More

Document Retention Policy Basics
What is a document retention policy?
A document retention policy is a plan outlining (1) what sorts of documents the operation will keep, (2) how they will be stored, and (3) how and when they will be destroyed.
Why is a document retention policy important?
Documents can ...Read More

Barn Lease Checklist
Whether you are a producer looking to expand your operations without buying additional facilities, or a farmer approaching retirement and considering renting your hog barns out, the following are key terms that should be addressed in any barn lease:
- Correctly Identify Parties. Make sure ...Read More

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Highlights for Farmers
The Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 is the most dramatic change to the U.S. Tax Code since 1986. This wide-reaching, complex tax reform passed in such a hurry at the end of 2017 that many business owners, including farmers, are still trying ...Read More

Manure Easement Checklist
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requires producers to have written agreements with landowners to apply manure under the site’s Nutrient Management Plan. While MPCA provides a one-page sample Land Application Agreement, this form does not deal with many common issues between producers and manure ...Read More

Negotiating a Settlement with the IRS
People in Minnesota who owe back taxes may be able to settle their debt with the Internal Revenue Service for less than what they owe. Individuals who meet certain requirements may qualify for the Offer in Compromise program. However, an Offer in Compromise might ...Read More