Our member survey consistently shows our 24-Hour Emergency Hotline is one of the services our members value most.
The hotline is available 24-hours in the event of a farm raid, surprise visit, inspection, or short-term notice regarding a member’s farm, ranch, homestead, cottage food business, or buying club. We always have an attorney on-call who can be on the phone during a stressful, unexpected inspection or even seizure of product.
In Spring 2024, we fielded calls from all over the country regarding a number of farm and food business- related issues. We feel providing a synopsis of the kinds of issues we assist with on a regular basis can give our members an idea of the kinds of questions we regularly answer.
While we will always protect the privacy of our members, we will regularly provide a summary of the type of legal challenges your fellow farmers, homesteaders, and cottage food producers are facing.
Keep your FTCLDF membership current for full member benefits!
April, May, June 2024 FTCLDF Hotline Blotter
State: Virginia
Farmer member called after a herdshare owner, or companion of share owner, was bitten by a dog at an in-town milk pick-up location. Bitten person is suing everyone possible. He needs a review of the current contract to see if this exposure is covered in the agreements.
State: California
New member is in dispute with county government over a farm stand on property which will offer public farm tours, tastings and direct sales of cheese.
State: Virginia
Farmer member is experiencing harassment from a neighbor over goats. The problems have been ongoing for four years, and now the neighbor has escalated to threats and leaving gates open.
State: Michigan
Farmer member called hotline while the State of Michigan was on-site seizing of herdshare milk. Needs immediate call back.
State: Missouri
Farmer member received a court summons to appear in court for having chickens at his personal residence in city limits. Stated he does have a farm but had some chickens at his residence as well to sell eggs locally.
State: California
Farmer member asked for assistance with local animal control and livestock guardian dogs. Member received a notice from animal control stating the dogs need to be restrained and are illegal breeds.
State: Texas
Farmer member called looking for counsel because vet clinic vaccinated three young bulls taken in for castration, after expressly asked the vet not to vaccinate. Farm is a zero-input operation. Vet’s actions delayed member’s ability to go to market in the intended timeframe. The vet’s insurance company settlement offer was minimal and does not provide adequate compensation for losses.
State: Michigan
Farmer member asked for assistance after receiving a letter from county prosecutor regarding livestock guardian dogs. Dogs were out for a short while and were recovered. Farmer is being threatened with criminal prosecution for dogs being at large.
Non- Emergency Legal Assistance and Advice
- 81 requests for herdshare agreements and support in 22 states
- 33 requests for legal advice about selling raw dairy, raw dairy products, raw dairy labeling, raw dairy and H5N1 Avian Flu in 14 states
- 5 requests for cottage food consult in PA, NC,
- requests for meat processing consult in
- 7 requests for assistance with zoning matters in GA, MI, KS, CA
- 4 requests for meatshare agreements and/or meat sales consult in NY, NM, OR, TN
- 7 requests for advice and assistance with livestock guardians in KY, MT, OH, PA
- 17 requests for advice and assistance regarding poultry and eggs processing and sales in VA, MD, PA, MI, KY, NC, PA, IL, IN, TX, IN, OH, GA
- 12 requests for farm liability waivers in NE, TN, MO, KY, NY, AL
- 1 request for consult regarding agritourism in TN
- 3 requests for information about business entity formation in KS, MN, TN
- 3 requests for consult on buying clubs in CA, PA, TN
- 8 requests for liability insurance leads in TX, IL, IN, MS
- 2 requests for assistance with overspray issue in MI and GA
Nonmembers in Need of Legal Assistance
FTCLDF receives regular calls from nonmembers with potential legal issues asking for assistance. Join today and renew your membership annually!
Please feel free to call our offices during business hours at 703.208.3276 with your questions and concerns. Members have 24/7 access to our Emergency Hotline! The hotline number can be found in Member Resources, on any of the membership materials, or by calling our regular office line during business hours. We’ve got your farmer’s back!