Practice Area
Agricultural
Farm operating agreements, land leases, conservation easements, and agricultural transactions — legal counsel for Illinois farming operations.
Overview
Agricultural Counsel
Agriculture is the foundation of Central Illinois — and the legal needs of farming operations are as complex as the industry itself. From multi-generational farm leases and operating agreements to conservation easements and USDA compliance, agricultural law requires counsel who understands both the legal framework and the practical realities of farming. We provide legal services tailored to the unique needs of Illinois farm families, landowners, and agricultural businesses.
Our agricultural practice covers the full range of transactional and advisory needs for farming operations. We draft and negotiate cash rent and crop share leases, farm operating agreements, conservation easements, and agricultural land purchase and sale agreements. We advise on USDA program compliance, FSA loan documentation, wetland and conservation reserve program requirements, and the intersection of agricultural operations with entity formation and estate planning.
Because we also practice in real estate, entity formation, and estate planning, we understand the broader context in which agricultural decisions are made. A farm lease that ignores estate planning implications is incomplete. An operating agreement for a family farming LLC that does not address succession is a missed opportunity. We coordinate across practice areas to serve the full spectrum of legal needs that Illinois farming families face — from the first generation to the next.
Services
How We Help
Farm Operating Agreements
Operating agreements for family farming LLCs, joint farming ventures, and multi-generational operations — drafted to address management authority, profit allocation, equipment usage, and succession planning.
Land Leases (Cash Rent & Crop Share)
Cash rent, crop share, and flex lease agreements tailored to Illinois farming practices — covering rent calculations, input cost responsibilities, conservation compliance, and renewal terms.
Conservation & USDA Compliance
Conservation easements, CRP and ACEP enrollment, wetland compliance, and FSA program documentation — helping landowners navigate federal and state conservation requirements while preserving operational flexibility.
Agricultural Land Transactions
Purchase and sale agreements, 1031 exchanges, and due diligence for agricultural land transfers — including soil surveys, drainage assessments, FSA records review, and title examination.
Insights
Recent Writing
March 19, 2026· 4 min read
Cash Rent vs. Crop Share: Choosing the Right Lease
The choice between cash rent and crop share leases determines how risk and reward are divided between landowner and tenant. Here's how to evaluate which structure fits your situation.
March 19, 2026· 5 min read
Conservation Easements: Protecting Your Land and Legacy
Conservation easements offer landowners a powerful tool for preserving farmland, reducing tax liability, and ensuring that the land remains productive for future generations.