Agriculture.

Agriculture

Agricultural Solicitors & Agricultural Law Experts.

Key Contact

Brian is an experienced litigator used to dealing with many types of commercial disputes, including agricultural disputes, contractual disputes and insolvency matters. Brian is a mediator and his mediation practice encompasses a variety of commercial sectors and general civil litigation, he has a particular interest in mediating disputes in the agricultural sector.

Brian Evans
Brian Evans
Partner
Management Team | Agriculture

To work effectively with us, the most important attributes for a lawyer are trustworthiness, reliability, efficiency, excellent knowledge, and crucially, to translate legal jargon into layman’s terms so we can understand it – without being patronising.

- Oldfields Cider - Tenbury Wells
Knowledge

Case study.

Case Study

Oldfields Cider

We found the team to be exceptionally knowledgeable and efficient in resolving any problems quickly....
Edward Burrell • 19 Jan 2024

Our Agricultural Law Recommendations

Many of the specialist Agricultural Solicitors here at Lanyon Bowdler also have close links with the farming community, so understand the pressures and complexity of the issues you have to deal with. We are repeatedly recognised by the leading legal directories, The Legal 500 and Chambers UK.

We understand the uncertainty, and potential opportunity, that leaving the European Union brings. The next seven years will see significant changes to farming subsidies, as the Agriculture Act 2020 sees a move from the CAP regulations to a new system of environmental land management contracts. Our agriculture team can help support you as the planned changes come into force, advising you on accessing funding under the new system and assisting you in exploiting new potential commercial opportunities. As members of the NFU legal panel, you can rely on us to keep up to date with all the latest changes in Agricultural Law.

NFU recommended agricultural solicitors

We are proud to be one of the NFU’s recommended agricultural law firms, providing specialist legal advice for farmers and the agricultural industry in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Staffordshire.

As members of the NFU’s panel of specialist agricultural law firms, we have passed the NFU’s thorough examination of our services and expertise before being invited onto their national network of recommended solicitors. Whether a member of the NFU or not, you can be assured of a friendly, approachable service to help you avoid the many legal pitfalls in farming and food production.

NFU members take advantage of a 12.5% discount on legal fees relating to their business (subject to terms), contact us by phone today or complete our enquiry form on the right-hand side of this page.

The NFU offer their members a Legal Health Check and Contract Checking Service where financial assistance can be obtained; click on the links to find out more.

The Legal 500 and Chambers UK

The Chambers UK Guide 2024 rank the department in Band 2 for both Wales and the West Midlands, saying the following ‘Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors has a highly regarded team with offices across Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Wales. It has expertise in all legal matters that relate to property, family, commercial and disputes encountered by landed estate, agricultural and horticultural clients. It serves farmers and country landowners across the region.’

The following is a strength noted in the 2024 guide: “All departments with this firm of solicitors have been very helpful through the different issues. Contact has been excellent and requests dealt with quickly.”

A source from a previous edition says: “I always find it easy to work with these people. The team is extremely friendly, and this puts clients and other advisers at ease in the meetings. You also have confidence in the advice, so they are a pleasure to work with.”

The 2024 edition of The Legal 500 recognises us as a Top Tier firm in the West Midlands, the directory states: ‘The ‘wonderful‘ team at Lanyon Bowdler is led by Brian Evans and acts for many large agricultural and horticultural clients as well as landed estates. It is an NFU panel firm for Shropshire, Herefordshire and Staffordshire and advises on a variety of issues from property and private client matters to family issues and employment matters. The team receives plaudits too for its work on disputes relating to renewable energy projects, product liability and professional negligence cases involving farmers as claimants. Edward Nutting has been pivotal to the office’s success and connects very well with local clients, not only as a result of his industry knowledge and property law expertise, but also his Welsh language speaking capabilities’.

Testimonials from the 2024 edition of The Legal 500:

‘I found the North Wales team of Lanyon Bowdler to be personable, efficient and effective. It was clear to me immediately that I was in safe hands’.

‘Practice has an excellent understanding of agriculture and the idiosyncrasies of that market’.

Work highlights include:

Advising the Trustees of the Sweeney Estate in connection with ongoing contentious and non-contentious matters relating to the management of the Estate.

Advised on tax planning will for a farming couple with £3m assets (including farming and non-farming assets), advising on APR and BPR and appropriate trusts.

Dealing with administration of an intestate estate worth £1.4m, negotiating a claim for APR with HMRC.

For Wales we are shown in a separate category in The Legal 500 but we are still achieving Tier 2 status. The directory states, ‘The ‘personable, efficient and effective’ team at Lanyon Bowdler continues to thrive in the local market, picking up an ever increasing volume of work for North Walian clients since the formal opening of an office in Conwy in 2019. The ‘very responsive and skilled’ Edward Nutting has been pivotal to the office’s success and connects very well with local clients, not only as a result of his industry knowledge and property law expertise, but also his Welsh language speaking capabilities’.

Work highlights include:

Act for the 12,500 acre Rhug Estate and Glynllifon Estate in North Wales, one of the UK’s most diverse landed estates.

Acting for Robert Wynne Evans in a complex £6m farm sale– involving common land and grazing rights, a hydroelectricity scheme, a holiday cottage, live and dead stock, and dealing with Basic Payment Scheme Entitlements and an agri-environmental scheme.

Acting for Mona Island Dairy Limited in relation to a s106 planning agreement connected with a new £20m cheese factory which will create 100 jobs in Anglesey.

Accreditations

Our awards and accolades.

We are recognised by The Legal 500 as a Top Tier firm for Agriculture & Estates in the West Midlands and a Tier Two firm in Wales. We have been the legal panel firm for the NFU's members in Shropshire, Staffordshire and Herefordshire since 2008.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
via ReviewSolicitors

I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry

Excellent legal advice on water extraction licence.

Elizabeth Morris
via ReviewSolicitors

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors

Not only professional, but super fast.

Raj
via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin

Our Farming and Agricultural Law Expertise

We offer a full range of legal services for the agriculture industry including all aspects of agriculture and food law, employment law, family law, tax planning, and property sale or acquisition.

Working in agriculture and food production is an increasingly tough business, with an ever-growing amount of legislation and regulations to deal with. Partner Brian Evans leads the Agricultural Solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler and comes from a farming background himself (both his grandfathers were smallholders and his father was a farmworker for almost all his working life) so he is passionate and knowledgeable about the industry.

The Agriculture Act 2020 is one of the most significant pieces of legislation for farmers in England & Wales for over 70 years and sees the introduction of a whole new agricultural policy regime for farmers and landowners. In a period of such significant change, you need the advice and support of specialist Agricultural Solicitors. At Lanyon Bowdler, we are able to offer a varied range of agricultural legal services to help support you through this transitional period and beyond.

We act for individual farmers, rural landowners, and agri-food businesses and take great pride in providing expert legal advice on all areas of agri-law. We have experience in dealing with numerous agricultural services, not to mention helping you navigate through any changes triggered by Brexit.

Agricultural Disputes

Agricultural disputes can arise for a large number of reasons. These disputes tend to vary from machinery or instrumentation that fails to meet the required standards, personal matters concerning the likes of divorce or will disputes, issues arising as a result of professional recommendations that you may have taken, which later transpires to come short of the expected standard, or contract disputes regarding the sale or purchase of an area of land, property or perhaps, one that governs employment.

The 2024 edition of The Legal 500 comments on the strengths of our dispute resolution team in the agriculture sector.

Agricultural Partnerships

Our Agricultural Solicitors also specialise in the drafting of farm partnerships and business structures so as to ensure the business is being addressed within the most effective manner, by recording the intention of all the parties. Our Lawyers will be on hand to advise you and to make sure the arrangement is also tax economical for the business.

Commercial Law in Agriculture

Our team comprises a diverse skill-set including expertise in commercial law issues surrounding farm and agricultural businesses. Our lawyers have a firm understanding of the commercial and business challenges, opportunities, and disputes that affect agricultural businesses, farms, and rural commerce. Our friendly team takes time to understand your business and also the specific problems that face both businesses and families within the farming community.

Agriculture Employment Solicitors

Employment law can be an issue in any sector and the agriculture sector is no different. Our team handles a large range of problems from both an employer and from an employee perspective, including sector specific issues such as in relation to the on-going agricultural wages regime in Wales and the legacy regime in England, contracts for seasonal workers, and the application of TUPE when the operation and/or ownership of agricultural land changes hands.

The 2024 edition of The Legal 500 states: ‘It specialises in TUPE issues and is also skilled at advising schools and colleges as well as farmers and growers on various employment matters’.

Buying and Selling Agricultural Land

Experienced in the buying, selling, and secured lending of agricultural land, our Agricultural Lawyers are on hand to advise on the aforementioned and also any ancillary matters that come with an agricultural transaction. We are able to advise you on issues that you may need to consider before the negotiation, so that you may discuss these with your land agent in order to achieve the most advantageous deal for you.

Family Law for Farmers

Many family law issues need to be considered once farming is involved. In particular, when it involves any divorce of a person within a farming partnership. Productive farming partnerships and, indeed, family business owners may question how to keep it all “in the family”. Handling such cases involves a myriad of finely balanced judgements, and negotiating a prosperous outcome needs a clear-headed and commercial approach from your legal team. This can often be an area where experience counts, and that we have.

Personal Legal Services

A farming business can typically involve more than one family member – and so, several farms involve the entire family. We are here to advise businesses within the rural and agricultural sectors in reference to all aspects of running their business operations, above all on legal and regulatory issues encompassing farm management, agricultural business, and diversification. We also provide advice to landed estates and owners of agricultural businesses with regards to wealth management, succession planning, and any other agricultural concerns.

Your Agricultural Law questions answered

What is an agricultural solicitor?

Agricultural Lawyers are an essential resource for those operating in the agricultural sector because they are able to provide expert legal advice and representation to farmers and those running agribusiness regarding any aspects of farming or the agricultural sector at large.

Due to the highly regulated nature of the agriculture industry, agricultural lawyers help ensure clients understand the relevant agriculture laws and make sure that they run their agribusiness or farm in an appropriate manner.

With significant changes set to affect the industry over the next seven years, it is critical that Agricultural Solicitors stay up-to-date on new regulations and legislation so that the advice they provide is accurate. As NFU panel members and an NFU recommended law firm, Lanyon Bowdler’s Agri-law team provides the highest levels of legal advice and representation to the farming community.

Whatever situation you face, our Agricultural Law Solicitors can offer the expertly tailored advice you need to help resolve the matter.

How can you make sure you choose a reliable agriculture solicitor?

As an NFU recommended law firm and as a member of the National Farmers Union’s Legal Panel for their members in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Staffordshire, you can trust the advice and representation offered by Lanyon Bowdler’s specialist Agricultural Solicitors is accurate and up-to-date.

With years of experience advising those operating farms and agribusinesses, our team of specialist agricultural lawyers are on hand to assist with any legal matters relating to the running of a farm or agricultural business, whether that relates to agricultural disputes, the buying or selling of farms or farmland, arranging inheritance and succession of farms or agribusinesses.

With the Agriculture Act 2020 scheduled to bring a raft of regulatory and legislative changes over the next seven years, the experience and expertise of Lanyon Bowdler’s team of Agricultural Solicitors has never been more relevant. We are able to offer you expertly tailored legal advice on all agricultural law matters, can offer insight into the forthcoming legislation and can support you in successfully navigating through one of the biggest periods of change to hit the sector in decades.

Lanyon Bowdler’s team of Agricultural Law Solicitors, many of whom have originated from farming backgrounds themselves, have been highlighted as one of the best Agricultural Law teams in the region, with the 2023 edition of Chambers UK ranking our department in Band 1.

If you have any questions or would like a better understanding of what an agricultural solicitor can do to help you, give one of our team of farming law experts a call or complete the online enquiry form and one of the team will promptly get back to you.

When might I need to contact an agricultural solicitor?

There are many circumstances in which you might want to seek the advice and expertise of an Agricultural Solicitor and at Lanyon Bowdler, our Agricultural Solicitors, many of whom are from a farming background themselves, have years of experience of offering legal advice and support to farmers and their families, both on personal and business matters.

As an NFU recommended agricultural law firm and as an NFU legal panel member, Lanyon Bowdler’s agricultural team are friendly, reliable, and most importantly, experts in their field.

Whether you are looking for advice on selling or developing farmland, need assistance with resolving a farming dispute or want support in creating and administering farming partnership agreements, Lanyon Bowdler have the experience and expertise to be able to assist you.

Whatever your reason for needing an agricultural solicitor, you can request a callback or complete an online enquiry form and one of Lanyon Bowdler’s agricultural team will be in touch to begin the process of helping resolve your issue.

Our Agricultural Lawyers’ Service Pledge

We offer a bespoke and tailored service and pride ourselves on our specialist knowledge and expertise. Our services cover all aspects of farming and agricultural law, such as the sale and purchase of rural property and land, including equestrian properties and estates, whether by auction, private treaty, or tender. In addition, we have a team of Agri dispute resolution solicitors able to provide sound advice, together with a CEDR Accredited Mediator.

We can offer advice on secured lending on agricultural property, agricultural tenancies, and residential tenancy law, including agricultural occupancy conditions and certificates of lawfulness, as well as business property law including the interaction of subsidy regimes and grant funding with property transactions.

We can deal with all land development and planning issues, such as clawback arrangements, pre-emptions, and Section 106 agreements.

Access to land is an important aspect of rural management, and we can advise on rights of way and other potential planning restrictions such as covenants and easements affecting land, as well as commons and village greens.

If you employ staff, we can help you with any employment law issues.

Then there is the commercial aspect of farming – contracts with the food industry, telecommunication sites, utility company wayleaves, and renewable energy schemes, such as solar farms, wind turbines, and anaerobic digesters.

We appreciate that sometimes change is needed, and we have experience in the restructuring of farm businesses, including partnerships, limited companies, joint ventures, contracting arrangements, and share farming.

Finally, don’t forget to plan for the next generation by having your wills, trusts, and administration of estates in hand. We can also offer succession planning and inheritance tax advice and can deal with Lasting Powers of Attorney arrangements.

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Contact Lanyon Bowdler’s Agricultural Solicitors

Please give our Agricultural Law Solicitors a call for a friendly, confidential, conversation about how we can help support you in whatever situation you face. Our team loves getting out of the office so we are more than happy to come to meet you at your farm or place of work. Contact the team by phone today or complete the enquiry form on the right-hand side of the page and someone will be in touch.

We regularly act for Farm owners and Agricultural businesses across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales, Birmingham, and the Midlands. As a leading national law firm, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales.

Lanyon Bowdler has specialist Agricultural Solicitors in Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry, Ludlow, Bromyard, Hereford, and Conwy in North Wales.

Our people

Meet the team.

Andrew Pegg
Andrew Pegg
Partner
Commercial Dispute Resolution | Disputes & Court Claims
Brian Evans
Brian Evans
Partner
Management Team | Agriculture
Edward Rees
Edward Rees
Partner
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Praveen Chaudhari
Praveen Chaudhari
Partner
Commercial Property | Agriculture | Renewables | Leisure & Tourism | Residential Property | Education
Sue Hodgson
Sue Hodgson
Partner
Family Law
Edward Nutting
Edward Nutting
Partner
Agriculture | Commercial Property | Renewables | Leisure & Tourism
Kevin Thomas
Kevin Thomas
Partner
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Sarah Whittall
Sarah Whittall
Partner
Commercial Property | Agriculture
Afsarah Haque-Hassan
Afsarah Haque-Hassan
Trainee Solicitor
Commercial Property
Susan Grazier
Susan Grazier
Associate Solicitor
Commercial Property | Agriculture | Renewables
Steven Corfield
Steven Corfield
Consultant
Agriculture | Commercial Property
Juana Eastwood
Juana Eastwood
Solicitor
Commercial Property | Renewables
Chloe Williams
Chloe Williams
Solicitor
Commercial Property | Agriculture
Stewart Smith
Stewart Smith
Associate Solicitor
Commercial Property | Agriculture | Renewables | Leisure & Tourism
Susan Newbould
Susan Newbould
Solicitor
Commercial Property
Jemma Groves
Jemma Groves
Trainee Solicitor
Commercial Property | Agriculture
Tania McGee
Tania McGee
Associate Solicitor
Commercial Property | Leisure & Tourism | Agriculture
Jennifer Monaghan
Jennifer Monaghan
Associate Solicitor
Commercial Property
Knowledge

Latest knowledge.

Case Study

Oldfields Cider

We found the team to be exceptionally knowledgeable and efficient in resolving any problems quickly....
Edward Burrell • 19 Jan 2024
Blog

Farm Diversification – Tax Considerations and Consequences

Diversification can lead to new sources of income, and may also be an attractive business project for younger gener...
Edward Rees • 27 Jul 2022
Blog

Discovery of Viking Hoard Leads to Jail Sentences for Metal Detectorists

The legal obligations and responsibilities imposed on metal detectorists were highlighted in a well-publicised case...
Claire Vale • 02 Jan 2020
Blog

Metal Detecting

Metal detecting and the prospect of unearthing buried treasure is something that has always fascinated me. I wanted...
Claire Vale • 21 Sep 2017
Blog

When is a Tractor Not a Tractor?

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) delivered an extremely significant decision in the case of Damijan Vnuk v Zavar...
Karen Clarke • 09 Oct 2015
Blog

Ragwort – What’s the Problem?

Farmers, landowners and the general public may be aware of the legal implications under the Weeds Act 1959 and the ...
Amanda Jones • 31 Jul 2013
Blog

Farm Vehicles and Mud on the Road – Farmers Must be Aware of the Law

Diversification can lead to new sources of income, and may also be an attractive business project for younger gener...
Dawn Humphries • 29 Nov 2012
Accreditations

Our awards and accolades.

Contact us

Get in touch.

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