An Update on the Dairy Industry

Thursday, January 25, 2007
Contributed by: Alan Rhodes

Beginning in 2001 the Underwood law firm expanded its' traditional agriculture practice in step with the development of the dairy industry in Eastern New Mexico, the Texas Panhandle, and Southwestern Kansas. We've been blessed with the opportunity to work with a number of (a) crop farmers who hoped to sell forage or land, (b) contractors who are providing equipment or building facilities for incoming dairy farmers, and (c) dairy farmers who were pursuing opportunities in our trade area.

I'll start with our on-going efforts and thoughts.

Working with Lynn Tate and Jerry Johnson, other lawyers in the Underwood firm, and with a variety of governmental officials, we are hoping to develop an Investor Visa Pilot Program for our area. I understand that the program will facilitate the possible issuance of an EB5 visa and green card for dairy farmers who are making a significant investment and meet the other requirements. If you have comments or questions about the Investor Visa Pilot Program, contact Chuck Mallard or Alan Rhodes.

Lynn Tate and I will probably assist the High Ground of Texas at the World Farm Expo in Tulare, California from February 13 to February 15, 2007. This will be Lynn's fourth or fifth visit to the Expo and High Ground of Texas tailgate party; I'll be attending for the fifth or sixth year. We've had a chance to meet some farmers, and we've developed good contacts with the economic development representatives from the High Ground Region.

We urged Sheryl Hardy of the Perryton Community Development Corporation to attend an immigration event in the Netherlands. Ms. Hardy will be working with immigration advisors as she attends this event during the week of January 22, 2007.

We remain involved in a number of transactions in which dairy farmers are attempting to enter into contracts for 2007. The high grain prices and wet weather have increased interest in wheatlage; other dairy farmers are acquiring farms so they'll control their forage on a long term basis. Lynn has unique abilities in evaluating crop farming opportunities given his widespread production, farm program planning, and legal backgrounds. If you have questions about the current strategies that are being used, contact Lynn Tate or Alan Rhodes.

There appears to be some interest in the spec facilities that are on the market and for sale.

This is an exciting and interesting time in our trade area. Over the past thirty years we've watched the development of the cattle feeding business. We're now watching the development of the dairy industry. This is an interesting time for agriculture in our area.

This column is published for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author's law firm or its individual partners.