RURAL LAW & AGRIBUSINESS
At Halliwells, we know that Rural Law isn’t just about land. It is about people, families, and communities. Many of our team members are proudly from rural backgrounds, and have a genuine understanding of the challenges that farmers, growers, and rural businesses face every day.
We advise on a wide range of rural matters, including farm sales and purchases, rural structuring, leases, succession planning, sharemilking, grazing and agistment agreements, relationship property settlements, and regulatory compliance. We also assist with farmland, machinery and livestock transactions, rural land use, subdivision and boundary issues, disputes, and rural insurance claims. Our rural law team combines legal knowledge with practical insight, ensuring our clients receive clear, practical guidance grounded in real-world experience.
Whether you’re managing a generational farm, entering into a new agreement, or navigating a dispute, we work with you to protect your interests and support the future of your business and family.
OUR RURAL LAW & AGRIBUSINESS SERVICES
Farming is often more than a business- it’s a family legacy built over generations. Careful succession planning ensures that land, assets, and responsibilities pass smoothly to the next generation whilst preserving family relationships and business stability. We advise on trust structures, ownership arrangements, and governance solutions that safeguard your farm’s future.
Clear, well-drafted sharemilking agreements are essential to protect both farm owners and sharemilkers. We prepare and review contracts that set out obligations, payment structures, stock ownership, and dispute resolution mechanisms to ensure smooth working relationships.
We prepare and review grazing and agistment agreements that clearly set out how the arrangement will work. This includes payment, stock care, use of the land, maintenance responsibilities, damage and liability. A practical, well-drafted agreement gives both parties certainty and helps avoid misunderstandings later.
Rural transactions often involve more than the sale or purchase of land. We advise on farmland, machinery and livestock transactions, helping clients manage due diligence, finance, ownership structures, contractual terms and settlement. Our practical approach ensures each transaction reflects the realities of the farming operation and protects your interests.
We advise rural landowners on land use, subdivision and boundary matters, including easements, access rights, encroachments, fencing and title issues. Our team helps clients understand their rights, navigate council and regulatory requirements, and resolve issues before they disrupt the productive use of the land.
Disputes and unexpected events can place significant pressure on rural businesses and families. We assist with a wide range of rural disputes, including issues involving boundaries, access, leases, contracts, livestock, neighbouring properties and business arrangements. When disaster strikes, insurance can be vital to a farm’s recovery. We also help with lodging, negotiating and resolving rural insurance claims, working to ensure you receive the cover and support you are entitled to.
OUR rural SPECIALISTS
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
SOLICITOR
REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE (FELLOW)