Legal Definitions - farm products

The legal term farm products refers to the raw materials and outputs directly associated with agricultural operations. This includes crops, farm animals, and items used or produced during the farming process. For something to be considered a "farm product" in a legal context, it must be in its natural or unprocessed state and must be in the possession of an individual or entity actively engaged in farming.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Harvested Crops

  Imagine a large commercial farm that has just harvested several tons of organic soybeans. These soybeans are currently stored in large bins on the farm property, awaiting sale to a processing plant that will turn them into tofu or soy milk.

  Explanation: The soybeans are a crop, still in their raw, unmanufactured state (not yet processed into other food items), and they are in the possession of the farmer who grew them. Therefore, they qualify as farm products.

• Example 2: Livestock on a Ranch

  Consider a sheep rancher in Montana who owns a flock of 300 sheep grazing in their pastures. These sheep are being raised for both wool production and eventual sale as lamb to a butcher.

  Explanation: The sheep are livestock, in their natural, living state, and they are directly in the possession of the rancher, who is engaged in farming (raising animals). This makes them farm products.

• Example 3: Raw Dairy and Farm Supplies

  A small family dairy farm has just collected 800 gallons of fresh, unpasteurized cow's milk, which is being held in a refrigerated bulk tank on the farm before being picked up by a local creamery. Additionally, a pallet of specialized fertilizer, purchased for the upcoming planting season, is stored in the farm's barn.

  Explanation: The unpasteurized milk is a direct product of livestock (cows) and remains in its raw, unmanufactured state while in the farmer's possession. The fertilizer is a supply *used* in farming. Both, while held by the farmer, fall under the definition of farm products.