ABOUT US
Rusty and Elizabeth Rumley are a husband-and-wife team who have worked together throughout their entire careers, combining their legal expertise and deep roots in agriculture to bridge the gap between complicated legal information and everyday agricultural issues.
With complementary strengths in agricultural law, estate and transition planning, land use, and business planning, they bring a practical, informed perspective to every consulting relationship. Their shared background, both on the farm and with the law, gives them a unique ability to understand the real-world challenges consultants face and provide solutions that work in practice, not just on paper.
Learn More About: Rusty
Raised on a family farm in Cogar, Oklahoma, Rusty brings a lifelong connection to agriculture and a deep understanding of the legal and practical challenges faced by today’s producers and landowners. With a B.S. in AgriBusiness from Oklahoma State University (magna cum laude) and a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma, Rusty has combined hands-on experience with advanced legal training to serve the agricultural community.
He further specialized his expertise by earning an LL.M in Agricultural Law from the University of Arkansas, and is licensed to practice law in both Oklahoma and Michigan. Rusty’s work has long focused on creating resources to help producers, agribusinesses, and landowners navigate complex legal landscapes in areas such as estate planning, taxation, land use, business formation, leasing, and agritourism.
A respected author and speaker, Rusty has published numerous articles on topics including special use valuation of inherited farmland, “right to farm” statutes, private enforcement of animal cruelty laws, landowner liability, and food labeling. He is known for his clear, practical advice and has presented at hundreds of events for producers, attorneys, Extension professionals, and industry stakeholders—many of which invite him back year after year due to his highly rated sessions.
Additionally, Rusty shares his knowledge with the next generation of ag professionals as an instructor at the University of Arkansas, where he teaches agricultural law through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences.
Rusty’s passion lies in helping rural landowners, producers, and ag businesses plan effectively for the future, whether that’s through smart tax strategies, sound business structures, or practical legal risk management. His combination of legal insight, real-world understanding, and approachable communication makes him a trusted partner for clients across the agricultural sector.
Rusty and Elizabeth originally met as classmates in the LL.M. program at the University of Arkansas, and have worked together almost since that time. Married since 2010, they have three children and enjoy visiting family and helping on the farm in Oklahoma.
Learn More About: Elizabeth
Elizabeth grew up immersed in agriculture, working on her family’s multi-generational truck garden operation in Ida, Michigan. That early exposure to rural life and farm business laid the foundation for a career focused on legal issues impacting producers, landowners, and the agricultural sector.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Elizabeth distinguished herself as president and captain of MSU’s competitive Mock Trial team, while also gaining valuable legal experience through an internship with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She earned her law degree cum laude from the University of Toledo, gaining hands-on experience through internships with both state and federal prosecutors and with the Honorable David A. Katz (N.D. Ohio). During law school, she also coached high school and college mock trial teams and worked for a Toledo law firm. After graduation, Elizabeth went on to earn her LL.M. in Agricultural Law from the University of Arkansas, further deepening her expertise in the intersection of agriculture and the law. Thanks to her varied geographic history, Elizabeth is licensed to practice law in Michigan, Ohio, and Oklahoma.
With a strong legal background and practical understanding of agriculture, Elizabeth has spent her career at the intersection of law and food systems. Her primary research and writing focus has been on legal issues in animal agriculture, but her expertise also spans contracts, insurance, land use, and transition and estate planning. She has presented to agricultural, academic, legal, and policy audiences across the country, valued for her clarity, depth of knowledge, and thoughtful approach to tough legal questions.
Further, Elizabeth teaches courses on animal agriculture law, environmental law, and food safety law through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. She has also mentored dozens of law students, helping them develop their knowledge of agricultural law through targeted research projects and practical feedback. Many of them have gone on to pursue careers in agricultural law, thanks in part to her guidance and real-world perspective.
Whether working with individual producers or advising organizations, she brings a steady, informed voice to help clients make sound, future-focused decisions.
Rusty and Elizabeth originally met as classmates in the LL.M. program at the University of Arkansas, and have worked together almost since that time. Married since 2010, they have three children. In what little spare time they have, they enjoy visiting family in both Oklahoma and Michigan.