Day: March 18, 2025

Principles of Government: Federal Agencies

Sign of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in front of its building in Washington DC

Written by Peggy Kirk Hall, Attorney and Director, Agricultural & Resource Law Program

Written by Tyler Zimpfer, Law Fellow, National Agricultural Law Center

The beginning of a new presidential administration brings heightened awareness to areas of government that Americans don’t always consider, such as federal agencies. Recently, U.S. Senators have been reviewing the President’s nominees in confirmation hearings for leadership roles in federal agencies. These confirmation hearings matter. Nominees – often called a “secretary” or “director” – will oversee federal agencies with billion-dollar budgets and a federal workforce of over three million employees.  But why is our government structured this way? Are all federal agencies created the same? What powers do these agencies have? And how might a recent Supreme Court decision impact the future of federal agencies?

These questions are relevant to agriculture, because farmers constantly engage with federal agencies.  For example, the USDA administers programs through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that provides crop insurance, conservation funding, and financial assistance. The EPA oversees pesticide use, air pollution, and water quality laws that impact chemical use. Food producers and processors comply with health and safety standards set by the Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Understanding the laws that establish and guide federal agencies is important for agriculture and is the focus of our third topic in the Principles of Government series.

Continue reading Principles of Government: Federal Agencies →

C.O.R.N. Newsletter: March 18-24

 

In this edition of the C.O.R.N. Newsletter:

  • Spring Nitrogen Recommendations for Winter Wheat – Laura Lindsey and Ed Lentz
  • Wheat To Beat Project: Year 1 Results – Laura Lindsey and Matthew Hankinson

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

New Publication: “The Beginner’s Guide to Farmland Ownership”

Written by Robert Moore

Nearly 39% of the 880 million acres of farmland in the United States is leased, and in Ohio, this figure approaches 50%. Many individuals who inherit or purchase farmland have limited experience in agricultural management, creating uncertainty regarding effective land stewardship. To assist these novice farmland owners, Ohio State University’s Agricultural and Resource Law Program is pleased to announce the release of our latest publication, “The Beginner’s Guide to Farmland Ownership”, authored by Robert Moore, Attorney and Research Specialist at OSU. This practical, user-friendly resource is now available for download at farmoffice.osu.edu.

Owning farmland is not only a rewarding opportunity but also a significant responsibility, particularly for new landowners with limited farming experience. Whether you’ve inherited farmland or recently purchased it, navigating complex decisions such as leasing, selling, or managing alternative land uses can be challenging. This 48-page, comprehensive guide was developed to help new landowners understand and manage their farmland effectively.

“The Beginner’s Guide to Farmland Ownership” addresses key areas that every new landowner needs to understand. Topics include understanding farmland valuation, exploring leasing arrangements (cash rent, share rent, and flex leases), considerations when selling farmland, managing tax implications, and assessing alternative land uses such as renewable energy or conservation easements. Additionally, the guide explores strategies for protecting farmland through legal instruments and minimizing risk through insurance and business entities.

Visit farmoffice.osu.edu to access this publication.

Ohio legislators introduce carbon capture and storage bills

Written by Peggy Kirk Hall, Attorney and Director, Agricultural & Resource Law Program

As expected, proposed legislation to allow for carbon capture and storage wells (CCS) was introduced this week in the Ohio General Assembly.  The legislation opens the door for CCS underground injection wells to store captured carbon dioxide in “pore space” or cavities far beneath the land’s surface. As we explained in Part 1 and Part 2 of our CCS series, CCS technology removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can also trigger final production in an oil or gas field. If passed, the new law would affect agricultural landowners, who could be asked to lease their “pore space” for CCS projects.

The identical CCS bills introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate are H.B. 170, sponsored by Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana) and Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) and S.B. 136, sponsored by Sen. Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) and Sen. Brian Chavez (R-Marietta). The proposal varies in several places from a bill introduced late last year, the result of “fine tuning” by interested parties over the winter, according to Rep. Blasdel.

The proposed legislation includes clarification of the pore space property interest, a regulatory framework and fees for injection wells, consolidation or “pooling” provisions, well closure procedures, and liability provisions for carbon dioxide migration. Continue reading Ohio legislators introduce carbon capture and storage bills →