Free Trade

Exports of agricultural products are a big part of Idaho’s economy.  In the most recent marketing year Idaho exports of potatoes and potato products totaled 1.4 billion dollars.  Other exports include things like dairy products, vegetables, and fruits.  Idaho also exports a significant amount of alfalfa hay. Agricultural exports are also important nationally.  Last year the United States exported $140 … Read More

Partnership / LLC Tax Rules

The IRS is in the business of collecting taxes.  Pursuant to new tax rules enacted  under Title XI of the Revenue Provisions Related to Tax Compliance of the Bipartisan Budget Agreement (“BBA”), the IRS will have an easier time auditing and collecting taxes from partnerships and limited liability companies beginning January 1, 2018. Limited liability companies (“LLCs”) that have elected … Read More

Capper-Volstead

Farmers and ranchers are independent folks.  But when it comes to handling and marketing farm products it makes sense to work together.  The Capper-Volstead Act is federal law that allows agricultural producers to form cooperative associations and be immune from the application of antitrust laws. Antitrust laws are designed to prevent monopolies in the marketplace.  Competition is generally beneficial for … Read More

What a Nuisance!

“What a nuisance!,” I overheard the woman say at the grocery store. “Farmer Johnson was out all night baling hay and making noise with his tractor.” I smiled knowing that Idaho law protects the right of a farmer to operate his farm without the threat of a nuisance lawsuit. Idaho’s Right to Farm Act states that agricultural operations are not … Read More

Public Warehouse

Before a person can lawfully operate a public warehouse in the State of Idaho he or she must first procure a license from the Idaho Department of Agriculture.  A public warehouse means any elevator, mill, warehouse, or other structure or facility  where agricultural commodities are received for storage, shipment, processing or handling.  An example would be your local elevator that … Read More

Fair Districts

Under Idaho law two (2) or more counties within the state may group themselves together and form a fair district.  Upon creation of a district the respective county members are required by law to appoint a board of directors.   The board of directors is in turn required to hold monthly meetings, keep track of funds, and make plans for a … Read More

Free Trade

Exports of agricultural products are a big part of Idaho’s economy. In the most recent marketing year Idaho exports of potatoes and potato products totaled 1.4 billion dollars. Other exports include things like dairy products, vegetables, and fruits. Idaho also exports a significant amount of alfalfa hay. Agricultural exports are also important nationally. Last year the United States exported $140 … Read More

The Statute of Frauds: Get it in Writing

A man’s word is his bond. Or so the saying goes. However, the law requires that some contracts be made in writing, and signed by the party to be charged, so as to avoid fraud, confusion, and disagreement over the terms of the contract. An agreement covered by the Statute of Frauds that is not in writing is invalid. The … Read More

The Value of Knowing What an Acre of Land Is

The Public Land Survey System is a survey method developed for platting and selling land in the United States. It is grid system that enables land to be identified based upon its location in relation to a starting point. The Boise meridian, located approximately 19 miles from Boise, between the Snake River and the Boise River, governs all land surveys … Read More

The Federal Meat Inspection Act

I have a small pasture in front of my home. It is maybe an acre and a half in size. I irrigate it with sprinklers, and I put two or three cows on it. Late in the Fall I like to take one cow to the butcher, and the rest to the sale. The Federal Meat Inspection Act (“FMIA”) is … Read More