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Ag Law News
  
  

September 12, 2023

In this issue:

  

  

  
   Gavel and Grains   

2023 Legal and Regulatory Developments for Agribusinesses

Michael C. Zahrt

2023 has been a mixed bag for the agricultural sector in Michigan and throughout the country. Rising input costs, irregular weather and trade disruptions continue to challenge agri-business.

From a legal and regulatory perspective, 2023 brought several new measures and developments which are applicable to and will impact most of the state’s agricultural businesses...

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Michigan Appeals Court Rules Invalid New Environmental Regulations

Charles E. Barbieri

On August 22, 2023, in a decision that reinforces the need for Michigan regulatory agencies to strictly follow rule setting requirements in the Administrative Procedures Act (“APA”), a majority of a Michigan Court of Appeals panel ruled invalid a series of new rules issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), which sought to impose new drinking water limits and groundwater cleanup criteria for PFAS chemicals.

The decision, in 3M Company v. Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, affirmed a prior ruling of the Michigan Court of Claims that invalidated the same rules for failure of EGLE to “address any cleanup or compliance costs that a business or group would incur as a result of the PFAS rules”...

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   Chuck Barbieri

Charles E. Barbieri

  

  

  

  
   Drone flying over crops   

AI-Based Farm Equipment May Increase Worker Safety But Cost Jobs

Bloomberg Law

The rise of autonomous and artificial intelligence-aided farm machinery promises to improve safety for agricultural workers, but the change will likely come with the loss of jobs and unfamiliar challenges for workplace regulators...

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   Cows   

Beef Industry Commission Restores State Checkoff

MDARD

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission voted Thursday, July 20, to restore a state checkoff program on the sale of cattle in Michigan. 

The move is expected to generate as much as $500,000 annually for the Commission, which works to inform consumers about the dietary benefits of beef consumption, build consumer trust and promote the safe, responsible practices used to raise and process beef. 

Michigan’s checkoff program is set to begin Jan.1, 2024...

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Foster Swift Sponsors Summer Ag Events

Michigan Livestock Expo

Congratulations to all the youth exhibitors of the Michigan Livestock Expo (MLE) 2023 and Sale-abration. It's an honor for Foster Swift to be one of the organizations that support youth in agriculture including AgroLiquid, Michigan Farm Bureau, Meijer, Crystal Flash to name just a few. 

Pictured below are this year's MLE Scholarship winners along with an exhibitor and her featured pig.

Exhibitor and Pig

Ingham County Fair

It a great day at the Ingham-County Fair where the Ingham County Junior Livestock Association Large Animal Auction takes place. More than 300 pigs, cows and lambs raised by local youth were sold. These kids are impressive in the preparation of their animals. Also, exciting to see so many local businesses supporting the kids.

Pictured below are this year's Little International Showmanship Champions & Reserve Champions.

Champions

  

  

  
  

Preparing for 2024: What Employers Need to Know

October 12, 2023

To learn more about the major issues and developments your company needs to address now for 2024 such as use of employers' use of AI, employee misclassification, and the current state of noncompetes, you're invited to join our Fall 2023 Labor & Employment Law Update. 

  

  

Lansing

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Southfield

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Grand Rapids

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Detroit

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Holland

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St Joseph

  

Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC E-Newsletters are intended for general information for our clients and friends. This newsletter highlights specific areas of law and is not legal advice. The reader should consult an attorney to determine how this information applies to any specific situation.

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