Agricultural Law

In water law, there is no substitute for experience and Rinke Noonan Law Firm is recognized regionally for its experience in this area. As the enforcement of water laws and regulations draws closer scrutiny from public agencies and private organizations, our attorneys can guide you in accomplishing your goals while balancing environmental considerations, to minimize the cost and risk of errors. We represent local government units, landowners, and developers on a variety of water law issues ranging from major litigation in state and federal court, to compliance and defense of water regulations. We regularly appear on behalf of clients before state agencies in Minnesota (the Board of Water and Soil Resources, Department of Natural Resources, and the Pollution Control Agency) and North Dakota (Department of Water Resources and Department of Environmental Quality), and federal agencies (the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection agency, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service).

Rinke Noonan Law Firm zealously advocates for clients challenging and navigating decisions made by environmental agencies that regulate agriculture. The firm’s skilled attorneys represent farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses in matters involving federal agencies such as the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Army Corps of Engineers, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In Minnesota, we represent clients on matters before the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), and local government units administering the Wetland Conservation Act. In North Dakota, our attorneys are experienced in matters before the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). We also offer legal services in matters before Minnesota watershed districts and water management organizations, North Dakota water resource districts, and Iowa drainage districts. Whether contesting regulatory decisions, negotiating permits, or advising on compliance, Rinke Noonan Law Firm provides strategic legal solutions to help clients protect their agricultural interests and navigate complex environmental regulations. With a deep understanding of both agricultural and environmental law, Rinke Noonan Law Firm is dedicated to ensuring that clients’ rights and operations are safeguarded.

Rinke Noonan Law Firm offers legal services focused on drainage easements and conservation easements. Our attorneys assist clients in drafting and negotiating drainage easements, ensuring that landowners and agricultural businesses have clear, enforceable agreements in place to manage water drainage effectively. In addition, Rinke Noonan Law Firm provides representation in enforcing drainage easements, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We guide clients through the complexities of federal and state conservation easements, including those held by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. With a strong understanding of both the legal and environmental implications, Rinke Noonan Law Firm helps clients navigate the intricacies of easement agreements, ensuring long-term protection of their land while balancing agricultural and conservation needs.

Farms and agribusinesses are becoming larger and more complex. In order to thrive in an increasingly competitive climate, farmers and ranchers must continually adapt their operation to keep pace with a dynamic agricultural environment. Rinke Noonan works carefully with their clients to fully understand their vision for the family farm operation, including their values and principles. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges and opportunities encountered by agriculture today and use that knowledge in drafting operating and lease agreements, contracts, arranging land acquisitions and sales, and determining whether organizing into a formal business structure better accomplishes the client’s present and future goals.

Rinke Noonan has years of experience in helping families plan for future generations and the continued success of their farm and business operations. Our attorneys pay close attention to their client’s goals and counsel clients in planning for their retirement, healthcare, and other elder needs. We understand the importance of dealing with heirs fairly, protecting assets, and preserving the “family farm” for the next generation. We work frequently with farmers in planning the transition of their operation to their children or in selling their operation to non-family member in an orderly and efficient manner, understanding the importance of not disturbing the farm’s daily operations.