Agricultural Disputes

Agricultural disputes can be intensely sensitive. As experienced agricultural disputes solicitors, you can rely on us for pragmatic and straightforward advice that solves problems and secures positive outcomes.

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Rory Hutchings

As an agricultural lawyer, I have a huge interest in the work I carry out as well as farming in general. My clients have included a variety of diverse farming businesses including livestock, arable and dairy farms, agricultural cooperatives, certification organisations, agricultural shows and tourist enterprises.

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Meet the team

Your partner in solving agricultural disputes

We act for clients on a wide range of matters, including tenancy issues, property disputes, farming and supply chain contracts, joint venture agreements, partnership disputes, environmental issues, common land, estoppel claims and regulatory problems.  As experienced agricultural disputes solicitors, we understand how sensitive these matters can be.

Our in-depth understanding of the rural sector means we bring invaluable insight and experience to every matter. When required, we can also call on the knowledge of colleagues across the business, while our standing in the sector gives us vital contacts when specialist expertise is needed to inform a situation. Wherever possible, our agricultural disputes solicitors aim to resolve matters through negotiation or mediation before considering court action.

Supporting clients across the sector

We act for clients across the sector, including individuals, small and large farming businesses, farming co-operatives and farming companies. We also act for commoners associations and renewable energy developers, in particular dealing with common land.

Our wide-ranging expertise means we bring valuable insight and understanding about the sensitivities of a situation. Our aim is always to ease the sensitivities by being proactive problem solvers.

Food for Thought

Food for Thought: shaping sustainable farming futures

We understand the challenges farmers face when it comes to food production. Our latest agriculture report explores the structural, policy and economic barriers affecting Britain’s food security. With commentary from HCR Law and sector experts, it examines what is undermining UK food production – and what must change to secure a resilient farming future.

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Services from our Agriculture and Estates team

Hear what our clients say about us

I wanted to say a big thank you again for all your hard work, professionalism, help and guidance. You are a true credit to your profession.

Client testimonial

I cannot thank Bryn Thomas enough for his professionalism and perseverance in a very difficult, drawn-out and challenging situation in the finalisation of my mother’s estate dispute.

Carrie Davies Estates dispute client

The team is proactive, rather than reactive. Has a fantastic support network to accommodate any specialisms needed across the team, collaborating with difficult/complicated matters, meaning you are always getting the right, and best advice.

They provide seamless cover for any out of office requirements and their communication skills are exemplary, meaning you always know where you are with a transactions/job.

Legal 500 2024 Agriculture and Estates

HCR Hewitsons have been a longstanding partner of our organisation and supporting land acquisitions, disputes and projects of national significance for a number of years.

The firm are able to drill down to the necessary detail of a case quickly and effectively.

Legal 500 2024 Agriculture and Estates

Recognition of our work

Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

Legal updates and thought leadership

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How can we help you?

Frequently Asked Questions

An agricultural dispute can cover a wide range of issues, including tenancy disagreements, boundary and rights of way disputes, partnership breakdowns, common land access, estoppel claims, and contractual disagreements within the farming supply chain. Our agricultural disputes solicitors handle the full spectrum of these matters, drawing on sector specific knowledge to understand the practical realities behind each dispute, not just the legal technicalities.

No. Many disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution, which are often quicker and less costly than litigation, and better suited to preserving relationships between neighbours, family members, or business partners. Our agricultural disputes solicitors will always consider these routes first, only proceeding to court where a fair resolution cannot otherwise be reached.

This varies significantly depending on the complexity of the matter and whether both parties are willing to negotiate. Straightforward disputes resolved through mediation can take a matter of weeks, while contested litigation involving land or partnership disputes can take considerably longer. Our agricultural disputes solicitors will give you a realistic timeframe once they understand the specifics of your situation.

Yes. Disputes between family members, particularly around farm succession or partnership arrangements, are common in the rural sector and require a careful, sensitive approach. Our agricultural disputes solicitors understand the added complexity these cases bring and work to resolve matters in a way that protects both the farming business and family relationships wherever possible.