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Co-Authored by: Alec Sherod & Evelyn O’Brien American farmers rely on supply chains that stretch far beyond the United States’ borders. Accordingly, geopolitics plays a critical role in determining the input costs that farmers face, from fertilizer and fuel to agricultural equipment. As geopolitical tensions rise and production prices remain...

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As we approach spring and look forward to the annual spring walk-through and start planning maintenance, repair and replacement projects for the coming year, boards and managers will be faced with a number of decisions, as well as bids and proposals from various vendors and contractors. How do you...

Several years ago, as bank financing dried up and job lay-offs increased, more and more individuals turned to using their traditional or rollover IRAs for capital investment in a business or real estate. However, the rules for making those self-directed investments have been difficult to follow and it has been...

As most real estate professionals know, under Minnesota law, sellers of Minnesota real estate – as well as the agents involved – are required to make disclosures regarding conditions that may affect the use and enjoyment of a property. Understanding disclosure requirements will enable agents to be more effective in...

Minnesota recently joined over 25 other states in taking action to put those claiming disability benefits on a more level playing field. The new law, which became effective January 1, 2016, prohibits disability benefit policies from containing language that will give insurers deference in their decision making. Minnesota had enacted...

1. Who decides if I am entitled to disability benefits? The benefit plan document provides all the eligibility requirements and is the governing document. The plan document should also state who makes decisions regarding your benefits. That person or entity is known as a fiduciary, and is typically an employer...

The announcement last month by Cargill that it is changing its policy prohibiting employees from reapplying for work with the agriculturally franchised and industrial giant for 30 days, instead of 180 days, if they are discharged for attendance reasons, highlights the issue of companies refusing to hire former workers. The...

Please Note: This material has been prepared as a guide for financial planners for discussion regarding the NEW MINNESOTA TRUST CODE with their clients. This guide is not intended as legal advice. Each client is advised to consult directly with financial, tax and legal counsel on their individual financial and...

Minnesota and the nation pause this Monday (Jan. 18) to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, on the 30th anniversary of the day set aside to commemorate his life and work. The civil rights leader, born on January 15, 1929, would have turned 87 years old last week....

On January 1, 2016 Minnesota’s version of the Uniform Trust Code became effective, bringing with it significant changes to the drafting and administration of trusts in Minnesota. Before we begin our discussion, let’s define what we mean by a “trust.” A trust is a three-party agreement between the maker (referred...

Claims Process 102 In my first article I described rules that insured property owners must abide by for a successful claim. In this article I will address rules that insurance companies must follow. Many of these rules are imposed by state law. State law writes part of an insurance policy.[1]...