A collaboration led by…
LandLink Vermont
Land For Good
Maine FarmLink
University of Connecticut
University of Maine
University of
Massachusetts
University of New Hampshire
University of Rhode Island
and University of Vermont.
LEGAL TOPICS AND BUSINESS STRUCTURES
Typically, farm transfer requires addressing multiple legal issues and producing one or more legal documents. Business structures may need to be created or revised to facilitate the transfer. The resources gathered here will help farm families and professional advisers better prepare for their work together.
Checklist for Business Agreements
Questions for farm families who are creating or revising business arrangements
Jesse J. Richardson, Jr.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Extension Service
3 pages
Checklist for Business Agreements - Coming soon
Creating a Limited Liability Company
A concise matrix outlining what to do and when to do it
Beth Kennett, Bob Parsons, and Jesse J. Richardson, Jr.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Extension Service
2 pages
Creating a Limited Liability Company - (PDF 986 KB)
A manual outlining
a process for the transition of a farm business to the succeeding
generation; intended for vocational agriculture teachers, community college
instructors, extension staff who work with new farmers, and people who wish
to transfer a farming operation to another person
John R. Baker
Beginning Farmer Center
Iowa State University
1996, 200 pages
Order online
$50 plus $11.52 s/h
Farm Transfers in Wisconsin: A Guide for Farmers
A comprehensive, friendly guide for farmers everywhere discusses farm
business arrangements as well as family, financial, and legal considerations
Jeanne M. Meier and Gwen Garvey
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
2003, 90 pages
http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/agriculture/farm-center/transfers/pdf/transfer_guide.pdf
Farmland Transfer and Protection in New England
A guide for entering and exiting farmers; includes worksheets and a
matrix of business structures
Kathryn Z. Ruhf
The New England Small Farm Institute
1999, 124 pages
Order online
$12 includes s/h
http://growingnewfarmers.org/main/bookstore/publications/
Holding Ground: A Guide to Northeast Farmland Tenure and Stewardship
A comprehensive guide that discusses rental agreements, long-term
leasing, and other tenure arrangements; includes worksheets, sample
agreements, and additional resources
Annette Higby, Kathryn Z. Ruhf, and Andrea Woloschuk
The New England Small Farm Institute
2004, 162 pages
Order online
$22 includes s/h
http://growingnewfarmers.org/main/bookstore/publications/