Agricultural Law School Rankings and What You Need to Know

Agricultural Law Explained

Agricultural law is the body of rules and regulations governing the production, marketing, and distribution of food. It covers a range of legal topics including environmental issues, food safety and security, land use and agricultural markets. All states have laws that govern how farmers use their land, what kind of animals they can raise and how they can market and use the products of their labor .
Because agricultural law interacts with myriad other bodies of law like environmental, food and farming laws, as well as corporate and business laws, it encompasses a variety of legal fields. Agricultural lawyers get involved with entities from farmers and ranchers to food processing companies and co-ops to elaborate agribusiness corporations.

Premiere Ag Law Schools

For those interested in pursuing advanced programs in "agricultural law," there are a number of leading Ag Law programs at colleges and universities across this country. The three schools listed below have strong agricultural law programs.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill has an LLM program in agriculture and food law, a joint JD/LLM in agricultural and resource law, and an online certificate in agricultural law. In addition, the university sponsors the Agricultural Law and Policy Forum which is open to students and faculty for presentations and debates involving the legal aspects of life on farms and ranches.
Laramie, Wyoming – University of Wyoming
The college of agriculture at the University of Wyoming offers a J.D. degree program in agricultural law which is described as providing the "strongest western law coverage of the Western United States." The curriculum includes courses covering issues impacting natural resources, agriculture and the environment.
Lincoln, Nebraska – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The predecessor of the College of Law at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is credited with establishing the first agricultural law program in the world in 1892. The agricultural programs offered by the law school include a certificate in environmental and natural resources law, a JD/PhD dual program in natural resources and environmental policy, and a JD/MPA dual degree in natural resources, environmental and property law.

Choosing the Best Ag Law School

Location is often a major consideration, as they may want to be close to their family farm or near certain job markets in the agriculture sector. Size of the school may be a factor as well; some people prefer smaller class sizes and a more personalized experience. Additionally, the student body should be considered; what opportunities will you have for networking and developing relationships with others in the industry? Part of the process will involve evaluating the faculty members and programs that each school has to offer. Internships are often a major part of earning an ag law degree; students should look into what opportunities may be available during their time in school. Employment opportunities upon graduation, including networking with alumni, are also among the leading factors that should be considered when choosing the right agricultural law school.

Ag Law School Career Opportunities

Graduates of an agricultural law program have an abundance of career paths to choose from. Lawyers involved in agricultural law can continue their careers in government service, working at local, state or federal government agencies. Some may involve legal counsel to elected officials, but most are behind-the-scenes support positions, such as the Federal Bureau of Land Management, which helps farmers with public lands issues.
Some farmers opt to pursue legal careers instead of continuing in the family farm business, and decide to work in private practice law, usually with large, established firms that recognize and appreciate their industry experience and connections in rural America . There are also those who work in legal counsel for corporations involved in agricultural production and processing, such as food and beverage companies. Agriculture law counsel can also work for corporations all over the country that require a thorough understanding of agricultural issues and the law.
A significant number of agriculture law professionals work for non-profit organizations. A law degree from an agricultural law school is very appealing to these groups because they generally have limited budgets and high workloads. Law school graduates can serve in a variety of capacities, often as lawyers or other leadership positions.

Preparing for an Ag Law Degree

Whether you’re right out of undergrad or looking to make a career change, it’s important to keep in mind what will make you a competitive candidate for admission into an agricultural law program. When you’re selecting what courses to take during your undergrad studies, be sure to select classes that will give you a solid foundation on topics such as policy, land use, property, natural resources, and business. Law schools are also keen on applicants that have studied economics, public policy, political science, philosophy, and the hard sciences. For this reason, students majoring in an array of degrees – from plant science to public service – may stand a good chance of getting in to an ag law program.
Additionally, having relevant work experience can be an advantage, especially if you are applying to an ag law program a few years after graduating. Internships at local firms, nonprofits, or government offices can help to strengthen your application. Upon acceptance into an ag law program, you might be able to put your experience and prior education to practical use by becoming involved with programs at your law school. For example, many law school organizations host moot court competitions that will allow you to sharpen your litigation skills. Becoming involved in local advocacy groups, law journals, and agricultural associations further develops your profile, while demonstrating that you are likely to become an active contributor to the ag law field.

The Evolution of Ag Law Schools

As technology and practices continue to evolve within the agricultural industry, so too has the law governing it. The rise of AgTech startup companies, the expansion of large-scale corporate farms, and the implementation of new environmental regulations are all factors that have reshaped laws and policies while creating a demand for specialized legal guidance. Consequently, universities and colleges across the country have adapted to these changes by rethinking agricultural law education. Most relevant law programs now offer advanced curriculum that addresses emerging trends within the industry while preparing students who will be uniquely qualified to help navigate the changing landscape for growers, processors, packers and sellers . From blockchain technology to intellectual property rights for plant and seed breeding, the next generation of agricultural attorneys will be equipped to help shape the future of the industry they are trained to serve. Law schools have expanded their offerings by adding comprehensive degree programs or concentrations in agricultural law for both Juris Doctor and non-Juris Doctor level students. Many programs feature an interdisciplinary approach by pairing the legal curriculum with coursework in policy and sciences resulting in well-rounded agricultural law professionals who can provide strategically informed advice and counsel.