By Andi Anderson
In challenging times, every farming operation needs strong guidance to stay protected and resilient. Illinois Extension has introduced a helpful Legal Series designed to support Illinois farmers as they navigate uncertainty and strengthen their businesses.
Each farm and farm family has unique needs, and the series aims to provide simple tools that help farmers make confident decisions.
The training helps producers learn how to reduce risk, increase resilience, improve profitability, and manage their operations more effectively.
All sessions are offered through the Legal Series for Illinois Small Farms webinars, developed by the Extension’s local food systems and small farms team in partnership with Farm Commons. Farm Commons supports farmers nationwide by helping them solve legal challenges, and their staff will lead each interactive session.
The webinar series covers several important topics useful for grain, livestock, specialty crop, and hobby farm operations. The schedule includes:
Dec. 9 – Nonprofit Business Structure Basics
This session helps farmers explore whether nonprofit status fits their mission and reviews other socially responsible business structures. It also explains IRS rules, board responsibilities, and key decision-making factors.
Feb. 10, 2026 – Forming an LLC
Most farmers choose an LLC structure. This session explains why LLCs are useful, how to form one, best practices to follow, and obligations to keep the business legally secure.
April 14, 2026 – Land Leasing Basics
This topic teaches farmers and landowners how to create strong written leases. The session explains important lease elements and offers tools to prevent misunderstandings.
June 9, 2026 – Five Legal Steps to Protect Your Farm
This final session outlines simple steps that help farms of any size build long-term legal resilience. It will also be available in English and Spanish.
The series is free, but registration is required at go.illinois.edu/FarmLegalSeries. Each session begins at 6 p.m. and includes time for questions. For assistance or accommodations, farmers can contact Jesse Schaffer at jschaff@illinois.edu or 312-585-9128.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Illinois, Business, Education, General