In the heart of the American agricultural landscape, family-owned farms stand as the backbone of the industry, accounting for a staggering 95 percent of U.S. farms and cultivating 84 percent of the land, according to the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture. As these family farms look to the future, the importance of estate planning becomes increasingly apparent, ensuring the longevity and prosperity of these operations for generations to come. This June, the Western Water, Agricultural, and Environmental Law Conference will delve into the intricate world of estate planning, with a particular focus on the ethical considerations that underpin these crucial decisions.
David Claiborne, a partner and founding member at Sawtooth Law Offices PLLC, will lead the session titled “Ethical Considerations in Estate Planning and Administration.” Claiborne’s expertise will shine as he navigates the complexities of estate planning for married couples, multiple generations, and interrelated agribusinesses. The session will also address potential pitfalls in trust and estate administration, providing attendees with valuable insights to avoid common mistakes.
The stakes are high in agricultural estate planning, with the potential to impact not just individual families but entire communities and industries. “Whether it be dealing with multi-generational families or a large agribusiness, ethical considerations are necessary to prevent disputes and trouble down the line,” Claiborne emphasized. His session will explore representation concerns related to business structures used in estate and trust planning, ensuring that all parties are fairly represented and that legal requirements are met.
The Western Water, Agricultural, and Environmental Law Conference, now in its third year, will be held at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada, on June 19-20. Co-hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation (NASDA Foundation), the event promises to be a comprehensive exploration of the legal landscape shaping Western agriculture. While the conference is tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of the Western region, the topics discussed will resonate with stakeholders across the nation.
For those unable to attend in person, the conference will offer a livestream option, ensuring that the insights and discussions reach a wider audience. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits, further enhancing the value of the event. NALC Director Harrison Pittman highlighted the significance of the conference, stating, “Our Western conference lineup covers numerous topics especially relevant to the Western region of the country, but these areas of agricultural law have significant influence for stakeholders nationwide as well.”
As family farms continue to play a pivotal role in U.S. agriculture, the ethical considerations in estate planning take on added importance. The upcoming conference session led by David Claiborne offers a timely and essential exploration of these issues, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of estate planning in the agricultural sector.