Agricultural Mediation in Illinois
Trusted Mediation Services for Farm Families, Landowners, and Agribusinesses
Agricultural conflicts are often deeply personal, complex, and rooted in longstanding relationships. At Illinois Mediation Clinic, we offer specialized mediation services for farm families, rural communities, and agricultural stakeholders who need a neutral and respectful forum for resolving disputes.
​
Our co-founder, Cari Rincker, brings extensive experience in agricultural law and mediation across multiple states, including Illinois. She has served in several state agricultural mediation rosters and understands the unique legal, financial, and generational dynamics facing farm operations.
​
Whether your issue involves USDA federal farm programs, land use, leases, or farm succession, we are equipped to facilitate productive conversations that help preserve both livelihoods and relationships.
What Is Agricultural Mediation?
Agricultural mediation is a voluntary, confidential process that gives farmers, landowners, and ag-related parties a structured setting to resolve disputes without going to court.
Mediation is commonly used in cases involving:
Participants are encouraged to openly discuss concerns, explore alternatives, and work toward mutually beneficial outcomes with the help of a neutral mediator.
Qualifications That Set Us Apart
Illinois Mediation Clinic is uniquely positioned to serve the state’s agricultural community. Co-founder Cari Rincker is:
-
A former member of the agricultural mediation rosters in Illinois, New York, and New Jersey
-
A nationally recognized agricultural attorney
-
Deeply rooted in the Midwest farming community
-
Experienced in teaching agricultural law and mediation at the University of Illinois College of Law
-
Skilled at working with multigenerational farm families and agribusinesses
Our mediators understand the stakes — both personal and professional that are often at play in agricultural disputes.
Flexible Mediation Options to Fit Your Life
We offer several formats to make the mediation process as convenient and accessible as possible:
In-Person Mediation
Available at our main office in Shelbyville or our satellite office in Champaign, Illinois.
Virtual Mediation
Conducted via Zoom, allowing both parties to participate from any location with privacy and comfort.
Travel-Based Mediation
Available for clients who prefer to meet in a neutral setting such as a courthouse, attorney’s office, or rented conference space. Travel fees may apply and are discussed in advance.
We also accept eligible referrals from the Illinois Agricultural Mediation Program, a USDA-funded program that helps farmers resolve disputes involving USDA or Right to Farm disputes.
Mediation Fees
Fees for agricultural mediation vary based on complexity and length. Some services may qualify for financial support or reimbursement through the Illinois Agricultural Mediation Program. We will discuss all fee structures during the intake process.
Preserve Your Farm. Protect Your Future.
Legal disputes don’t have to divide families, damage partnerships, or derail your operation. Mediation offers a confidential and effective path forward for the agricultural community.
