At this time of year in northwest Ohio, we can expect an increase in farm traffic. Slow Moving Vehicle emblems, or SMVs for short, are the most common identifiers for pieces of farm machinery. The SMV is a red-orange fluorescent triangle, and it was invented in 1961 by Ohio State Engineer Kenneth A. Harkness.
Category Archives: Agriculture
Legal-Ease: Who’s responsible when crops obstruct views?
Crops planted near roadway intersections, often corn, can raise questions regarding who is responsible for an accident if the crops obstruct the view of traffic. Often the landowner or farmer can be found responsible if the crop unreasonably obstructs the view at an intersection.
Legal-Ease: Farm commodity payments and business planning
Weather and other variables affect farmers every year. Commodity payments from the government are meant to offer farmers a safety net.
Celina Mutual Insurance Company and the University of Findlay
May 5, 2015 – Last spring, an accidental application of herbicide killed much of the grass on the lawns on the University of Findlay’s campus.
Legal-Ease: New manure laws start June 21
A new law will go into affect in a few months that will necessitate that most farmers monitor the weather before spreading manure. While several applications and farming operations are exempt from the ruling, farmers in northwest and west central Ohio will be under more specific requirements when it comes to spreading manure.
Legal-Ease: New manure laws imminent
After last year’s toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie brought public attention to the issue of farm runoff, farmers and their practices are under a higher level of scrutiny. Already passed in the Ohio Senate, new proposed legislation could change how farmers in northwest Ohio can apply manure.
Legal-Ease: What can I expect with a new livestock building?
When upgrading their farms, many farmers choose to do the work themselves. Although this may save them money, they often face unexpected challenges as a result. One of these challenges is permits.
Legal-Ease: Newest specialty crops require attention to detail
New technology and scientific advancements have made it possible for farmers to grow more diverse crops in a wide-variety of areas. Although this is a great thing for food production, it can cause problems when it comes to legal issues.
Legal-Ease: Introduction to the new farm bill
Congress recently passed a new farm bill. The intricacies of the bill are too much to talk about in one column, but here are a few things that stand out:
Legal-Ease: Liens against farm crops
Liens are a complicated and difficult to understand legal process available in some businesses. For farmers, creditors can have liens placed on crops to receive their money. There are even specific laws for liens on grain as opposed to other crops. There are many steps and specifications required to utilize liens.