American Agricultural Law Association

Register for AALA's Next Webinar! Join us on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 12 PM CT for a discussion with Adam Dees, a Certified Elder Law Group PLLC Attorney and partner at Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, P.A. In this webinar, Adam will cover key topics, including how to pay for long-term care without selling the family farm or going broke, strategies to protect your spouse and family, how to choose the right decision-makers for health and financial matters, and essential Medicaid planning insights. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gWv72h4C

Now is the perfect time to join a 2025 AALA committee! Whether you’re passionate about agricultural law, event planning, or member engagement, there’s a place for you. One exciting opportunity is the Symposium Planning Committee, where you can help shape the 2025 AALA Symposium in Scottsdale, AZ (Nov. 5-7). Don’t miss your chance to contribute to an engaging and impactful event! Sign up by Thursday, Feb. 27 by emailing [email protected] with your committee preference. We look forward to working with you!

Meet Jamie Fussell, Director of Labor Relations at the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA). With a background rooted in agricultural law, Jamie's journey started on a ranch in southwestern Florida, where his family raised cattle and horses. This connection to agriculture led him to pursue a career dedicated to supporting farmers and ranchers through navigating complex regulations and government programs. Before joining FFVA, Jamie practiced in the offices of general counsel for several regulatory agencies, including the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He holds a J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in food and resource economics from the University of Florida. To read the full feature and learn more about Jamie’s impact on agricultural law, visit: https://lnkd.in/g9jvukNF

The 2024 AALA Annual Educational Symposium was a success! We've shared a full recap on LinkedIn, featuring the top highlights, key insights, and moments you won’t want to miss. Catch up on all the action and join the conversation!

Joe Miller was honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Beth Crocker made the presentation. #AALA24

Courtney Cox Smith was recognized for Professional Scholarship (practitioner) for two amicus briefs she wrote for the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. #AALA24

“Paved With Good Intentions: Unintended Impacts of Farm Bill Payment Limitations on Farm Risk Management and Farm Transitions” was recognized for Professional Scholarship (academic). AALA members Shannon Ferrell with Oklahoma State University and Tiffany Dowell Lashmet with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service were two of the authors, and they received awards from Tyler Moore. #AALA24

J.P. "Dutch" Bialke with the NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE received the Excellence in Ag Law award for government attorneys. #AALA24

Bill Gillon with The Cotton Board was recognized with the Excellence in Ag Law award for nongovernmental organizations. Jim Bradbury made the presentation. #AALA24

Blair Dunn received this year’s Excellence in Ag Law award for private practitioners. John Dillard made the presentation. #AALA24