LLC and lease basics for farmers

By Andi Anderson

Proactive decision-making in farming operations can significantly reduce risks, enhance resilience, and increase profitability. Understanding legal aspects can ease anxiety and give farmers more control over their businesses.

To support this, the University of Illinois Extension is bringing back the Legal Training for Illinois Small Farms webinar series, designed to provide farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to manage their legal challenges.

This series is beneficial for farmers across various sectors, including grain, livestock, specialty crops, and hobby farms, by offering practical, accessible legal information.

In collaboration with Farm Commons, a nonprofit organization focused on providing business law assistance to farmers, the series features interactive sessions with opportunities for participants to ask questions. Each session will focus on a specific legal topic related to farming operations.

Upcoming sessions include:

• Business Structure Basics | Oct. 22, 7 p.m.This session will cover the key factors farmers need to consider when making business decisions. The webinar will discuss tax advantages, business practices, and governance, helping both new and established farms plan their next steps.Register at: go.illinois.edu/BusinessStructureBasics.
• Forming an LLC | Dec. 16, 7 p.m.This session explains the benefits of forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and guides farmers through the steps of setting one up. It will also cover best practices for managing an LLC and maintaining its legal status.Register at: go.illinois.edu/FormingAnLLC.
• Land Leasing Basics | March 17, 2025, 7 p.m.Leasing farmland is common, but misunderstandings about leases can lead to issues. This session will help participants create strong, effective lease agreements that protect both landowners and farmers.Register at: go.illinois.edu/LandLeasingBasics.
• Farm Property Insurance | June 23, 2025, 7 p.m.This session will cover the basics of farm property insurance, helping farmers understand how to protect their valuable equipment, buildings,and supplies from loss or damage.

Each webinar is free to attend, starts at 7 p.m., and lasts for one hour. Farmers at any stage in their careers can benefit from these sessions and build their legal confidence in running a farm.

For more information or assistance with registration, contact Nikki Keltner at nkeltner@illinois.edu or 815-235-4125.

Photo Credit: dusanpetkovic