Harl, Neil E.; McEowen, Roger A.

Doane Agricultural Services, St. Louis, MO, No. 1 (2002)

This volume focuses upon what makes agricultural law different from law generally--
* Farm employers are not subject to many federal labor laws and in many states are not included within the scope of the state worker's compensation provisions;
* Agricultural cooperatives are generally exempt from federal antitrust constraints and therefore can engage in activities which are prohibited to nonfarm businesses;
* The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) has special provisions for goods which are prohibited to nonfarm businesses;
* UCC rules governing implied warranties on the sale of goods do not apply to some farm livestock sales, and in some states a farmer is not considered a merchant for many purposes under the UCC;
* An entire section of bankruptcy law has been created specifically for farmers and ranchers;
* All states offer protection to agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by disgruntled neighbors;
* Agricultural land in most states is now valued at agricultural use value, rather than fair market value, for purposes of real property taxes;
* Federal hazardous chemical legislation and water pollution programs currently have major farm exemptions;
* Agricultural activities are usually not subject to county zoning; and
* Agriculture is the target of several unique tax provisions.