Earlier this week, Wall Street Journal writer Laura Kusisto reported that, “The spring home-buying season is shaping up as the best in years, offering new opportunities after last year’s tough housing market drove away many would-be buyers. “A number of economic factors that slowed sales in 2018 have eased or even reversed in recent weeks…. Continue Reading
Author Archives: Keith Good
A Shift Toward Buyers Bodes Well for Higher Home Sales Activity
Posted in Real Estate Law
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The 4% Mortgage Is Back
Last week, Wall Street Journal writer Ben Eisen reported that, “Mortgage rates are fast approaching 4%, a rate low enough that economists and lenders believe it will help jump-start the housing market again. “The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 4.06% this week, its lowest since January 2018, according to data released… Continue Reading
Posted in Real Estate Law
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In Iowa, Environmental Groups File Lawsuit, and ask Court to Force Famers to cut Fertilizer Runoff
Donnelle Eller reported last week at The Des Moines Register Online that, “Two environmental groups filed a lawsuit Wednesday, asking a court to force farmers to cut fertilizer runoff they say is hurting the Raccoon River watershed and water Des Moines residents drink. “Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and Food & Water Watch also want to stop producers… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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Jury Awards Over $80 Million in Roundup Case
Wall Street Journal writers Ruth Bender and Sara Randazzo reported yesterday that, “A jury Wednesday awarded $80.3 million in damages to a California resident the jurors found contracted cancer from exposure to Bayer AG’s Roundup weedkillers. “The San Francisco jury’s finding that Monsanto Co.—now owned by German chemicals and pharmaceuticals giant Bayer—acted negligently in failing… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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Bees: Minn. Legislature Considers Subsidies for Homeowners who Convert Lawns to Clover and Wildflowers
Greg Stanley reported recently at the Minneapolis Star Tribune Online that, “Homeowners who replace traditional lawns with wildflowers, clovers and native grasses in an effort to slow the collapse of state’s bee population could soon get assistance from the state of Minnesota. “Under a bill introduced by Rep. Kelly Morrison, DFL-Deephaven, the state would set… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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USDA Assists Iowa Farmers, Ranchers, and Communities Affected by Recent Flooding
A news release yesterday from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated that, “To help Iowan residents, farmers, and ranchers affected by the devastation caused by recent flooding, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has directed [USDA] to aid people in their recovery efforts. USDA staff in the regional, state, and county offices are responding and… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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Existing Home Sales Rose 11.8% in February from the Prior Month
Last week, Wall Street Journal writer Laura Kusisto reported that, “Sales of previously owned homes posted their largest monthly gain since 2015 in February, a sign that lower mortgage rates and more attractive prices are helping to lure buyers back to the market just in time for the critical spring selling season. “Existing home sales… Continue Reading
Posted in Real Estate Law
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Dairy Producers Previously Enrolled in the Livestock Gross Margin Program Now Eligible for 2018 Margin Protection Program
A news release today from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) stated that, “[USDA] today announced that dairy producers who elected to participate in the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Cattle Program (LGM-Dairy) now have the opportunity to participate in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) for 2018 coverage. Sign-up will take place March 25 through May 10, 2019…. Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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Farmers Markets Hitting Saturation in Some Areas
Earlier this week, Jodi Helmer reported at National Public Radio (NPR) Online that, “Nationwide, the number of farmers markets increased from 2,000 in 1994 to more than 8,600 in 2019, which led to a major problem: There are too few farmers to populate the market stalls and too few customers filling their canvas bags with… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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Jury Finds Roundup Caused Man’s Cancer
Wall Street Journal writers Sara Randazzo and Ruth Bender reported today that, “A jury found that a man developed cancer from exposure to Roundup weedkiller he used in his yard, in the second case to go to trial over the alleged harms of the popular Bayer product. “The six-person jury in U.S. District Court in San… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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