agriculture

Bankruptcy is rarely, if ever, the first choice of farm families facing financial difficulty. But thousands of Nebraska farmers have used the provisions of federal bankruptcy law to reorganize their farm finances and continue to farm or to leave farming with a cleaner slate than might otherwise be possible. No other legal tool has proven as useful in helping financially struggling farmers, since even many negotiated settlements and government debt restructuring programs are based on the concepts and procedures found in bankruptcy law.

Leasing of farmland, farm equipment, and livestock grows each year. To avoid increased risk
with leasing it’s important to protect yourself as either a tenant or landlord by taking the following
actions:
1. Put leases into writing. Oral leases are common in Nebraska but they too often lead to disputes
over who said what and what did each person mean. Using a written lease doesn’t
mean you mistrust each other. It just means you don’t want to rely on memories and communication
that can fail.

Participation in federal conservation programs has become a significant way for all farmers to reduce risk in farming, both by controlling erosion and other environmental problems, and by accessing federal funds to help pay for good stewardship. It’s therefore important for all farmers to review which conservation programs apply to their operation.

Nebraska farmers must increasingly be aware of environmental laws and regulations impacting their business. These environmental laws range from restrictions on the use of water to how an open feedlot should be constructed. This brochure is intended to introduce farmers to one aspect of these laws, particularly those dealing with livestock production.

The risks of farming are great enough that few farmers are able to go their entire life without needing to restructure debt, alter payment terms, or access additional credit. It’s therefore important for every farmer to know some of the basic laws of debtors and creditors in Nebraska.