Farming
& Agricultural Law

Are you compliant?

With more and more farming businesses diversifying these days it means more plant equipment including tractors and quad bikes on the farm which equals greater agriculture hazards to be aware of.

Is your farm work safe compliant?

It may come as a surprise to city folk but Safe Work Australia consider the Agriculture Industry, which includes cropping and livestock, to be one of the most dangerous industries to work. The main reasons that make farm work so dangerous include:

• Working alone and in remote areas, often for long hours

• Exposure to chemicals, noise and dust

• Use of heavy machinery

• Being in contact with livestock

Your Work Safe obligations

Here in Victoria, Australia, farmers and graziers have the same legal obligations under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) to ensure that their workplace is a safe place to work.

We are happy discuss your obligations and assist with a plan to keep you compliant and to reduce the risk of workplace injury to both yourself, your family and your employees. Contact Byrne Law on 0403 613 185.

Are your business agreements, workplace agreements and other legal documents up to date?

We can assist you with the drafting of all agreements, whether they be pertaining to the sale or purchase of livestock, grain, carting, or large equipment, or workplace agreements and compliance, we can assist you in ensuring your businesses ongoing success. Contact Byrne Law on 0403 613 185.

Have you complied with your requirements under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS)?

All farmers who have the following livestock, including, but not limited to sheep, cattle, pigs, alpaca, deer, horses on their property in Australia are now required to have a Property Identification Code (PIC) in place to ensure the traceability of livestock, biosecurity and food safety.  It is important for the ongoing confidence and peace of mind of all markets both in Australia and overseas that livestock is free of disease and other problems which may arise.

For assistance putting a Property Identifcation Code in place for your farm, contact Byrne Law on 0403 613 185.

Farm Succession Planning

Farming can be difficult at the best of times, with drought conditions, fluctuations in livestock and cropping prices it can be hard enough without having to think about yours and your farm’s future after you retire.

Do you have a succession plan in place for your farm?

We always asking our clients this very important questions including...

• Do you have a retirement plan?

• Do you have a five, 10 or even 30 year plan for your farming business?

• Where would you like your farming business to go after you are no longer here to run it, after all you have put years of your time and money into growing and developing it?

Start the conversation with Bryne Law

At our first meeting we can chat about the best way to protect you, your family and future generations, including:

• How to transfer farm assets

• Creating a valid will

• Re drafting your will and estate documents

• Appointing a Power of Attorney

• Appointing a Medical Treatment Decision Maker

• Establishing Family trusts, and

• Establishing Testamentary trusts

For assistance putting a Success Plan in place for your farm, contact Byrne Law on 0403 613 185.

Over the past four years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sarah Byrne on various personal legal matters, all of which were resolved successfully thanks to her legal expertise, strategic approach, and professionalism. Her clear communication, empathy, and dedication made the process far less stressful, and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a solicitor who truly listens and delivers fair, effective outcomes.

Gerhard A. Hendricks CE CPE

Get legal advice to make the right next move

We understand the complexities of rural legal matters, from succession planning to property transactions. As a leading legal law firm, we offer personalized solutions to protect your farm, business, and future.

Byrne Law is more than just a law firm — we are your dedicated partners in navigating the legal landscape. We work alongside you to ensure you make the right decisions that suits your farming business and lifestyle. Sarah has more than ten years’ experience working in the Agribusiness - as well as a sheep producer in Central Victoria herself - so she understands the reality and complexities of farming life more than most lawyers.