December 1, 2015. That was “day one” of work after stepping out on our own to create Janzen Schroeder Ag Law LLC. A decade later, we have the privilege of reflecting on 10 years of milestones and memories. We share this “Top Ten” list in the spirit of gratitude for our clients who have put their trust in our ability to “speak ag and law.”

10. Technology Advances, Relationships Rule: We have seen tremendous new technologies come to the farm in the last ten years—drones, autonomous tractors, ag data management tools, and more, but at the farm’s core, farming remains a business driven by human relationships more than any new technology.

9. Ag Law Evolves on Energy: Ag law has continued to evolve during the last ten years to include the frontier of renewable energy. Ten years ago, wind farms were rare, solar farms were nonexistent, and anaerobic digesters were years away. What might the future hold in the energy domain?

8. Trials are Trying: Trial work is incredibly hard but also very rewarding when you work for good farm families. Here’s a link to some of our significant legal wins for clients.

7. Motivated by Client Connections: One of the best things about working in a small law firm is that you are always working to please your clients instead of trying to bill hours or please the senior partner.

6. Variety is the Spice of Law: We are fortunate to have created a unique practice that is literally different every day. Some days we are negotiating a contract, some days in court, and some days in meetings with commodity groups, farmers, or policymakers.

5.Flexible like Farmers: With a computer and a cell phone, you can work from just about anywhere: basements, barns, beaches, and everywhere in between.

4. Eating in the “Cab”: Also like farmers, we eat on the run. We can debate which of our vehicles is the more comfortable “diner.”

3. Wandering Indiana: The historic Indiana courthouses from Laporte County down to Spencer County and everywhere in between have their own charm. Sometimes this means no AC in the summer; sometimes it means beautiful murals and masonry work.

2. Our Barnyard Works Together: The agricultural world is small and tight-knit — the whole “barnyard” supports each other because all are tied together, from corn and soybean farmers to livestock producers to those raising small specialty crops. Lawyers, farmers, drivers, scientists, PR professionals, consultants, and everyone who touches ag works together for the common good. This is a huge asset to the industry and makes it so enjoyable.