Industry Group | Bassford Remele

At Bassford Remele, we represent a wide range of clients in the agribusiness sector, from global leaders in food and agriculture to small, local farmers and cooperatives. Our team has handled a variety of legal matters, including wrongful death and personal injury claims from propane explosions, property damage and catastrophic fires caused by electrical issues, and contract disputes between national operations and their suppliers. Beyond litigation, we provide valuable guidance on critical legal issues such as employment law, risk management, and more, drawing on our deep understanding of the agricultural industry.

We are well-versed in the unique challenges that arise in agribusiness litigation. Fire and explosion claims, in particular, require immediate action and careful attention to detail. Over the years, we have managed more than 500 such cases. With access to a nationwide network of trusted professionals, we can quickly assemble a response team—often within 24 hours—to investigate incidents on-site and develop a strong legal strategy.

Our work includes numerous successful outcomes such as:

• Defense Verdicts: Represented an agricultural supply cooperative in a wrongful death propane explosion case and secured a jury defense verdict.
• Case Dismissals: Obtained dismissal for an oil company in a propane explosion case involving severe burn injuries and significant property damage.
• Directed Verdicts: Secured a directed verdict for an industrial cleaning company in a gas refinery overhaul case.
• Summary Judgments: Achieved summary judgment for a residential propane supplier in a home explosion case that caused serious injuries and property damage.

In addition to litigation, Bassford Remele assists farm families with estate planning to protect their legacy. We have worked with hundreds of families to create succession plans that ensure clarity, certainty, and confidence for future generations. Each plan is tailored to address the unique needs of the farm while focusing on the transfer of knowledge, skills, labor, management, control, and ownership of assets. We also address asset protection and tax considerations to help families achieve their personal and business goals.

A key component of our farm succession planning is the creation of Family Land Trusts, which help preserve farmland for future generations by preventing forced sales after the parents’ passing. These trusts include clear terms regarding land rental agreements, expense responsibilities, land purchase or sale options, rights of first refusal, income distribution, trust termination conditions, and more. We also integrate Family Land Trusts with other farm entities such as limited liability companies or partnerships to ensure seamless transitions.

At Bassford Remele, we are committed to helping our clients navigate complex legal challenges in agribusiness. Whether defending against high-stakes litigation or helping farm families secure their legacy through thoughtful succession planning, we deliver practical solutions designed to meet your needs.