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Jillian Hishaw is a MacArthur Recipient (via F.A.R.M.S.) agricultural lawyer, Founder, and C.E.O. of F.A.R.M.S. Inspired by her own family’s land loss, this international non-profit provides technical and legal assistance to small farmers while reducing hunger in the farmer’s community. Hishaw’s first book, Don’t Bet the Farm on Medicaid, available on Amazon, examines how U.S. long-term care facilities can exercise their federal authority to place a lien on a resident’s property, forcing a sale if an outstanding debt is owed. Hishaw has 15 years of professional experience in the areas of civil rights, land protection, and agricultural policy.

Her prior experience includes working on land protection matters for local and state agencies and on civil rights matters for the U.S. Department of Agriculture within the Office of Civil Rights in Washington, D.C., which has given her immense insight into the topic of land loss. Past academic publications include the Drake Journal of Agricultural Law, The Journal of Food Law & Policy, South Dakota Law Review, Environmental, and Energy Law Policy Journal, American Bar Association Environmental, Energy and Resources Agricultural Management Newsletter.

Hishaw’s recent advocacy work for Black farmers in the hemp and cannabis space has led to published op-ed articles in Civil Eats, The Counter, and HempLand U.S.A. In 2017, Hishaw was recognized as a Food Changemaker by the Clif Bar Foundation and featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, The Atlantic, Vice News, WFAE, and more. In 2019, the Food Tank organization named Hishaw 1 of 15 women changing food around the world.

Hishaw has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Tuskegee University, plus a Juris Doctorate and Legal Masters in agricultural law from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville Law school. Hishaw’s own land loss experience has influenced her commitment to law and advocacy work in agriculture and asset protection.

Hishaw’s recent books “Systematic Land Theft” won three book awards in 2022 for the non-fiction categories of Black History, Racism, and Social Justice matters. Recognition includes the “2022 Independent Press Award,” the “2022 Next Generation Indie Finalist,” and the “2022 National Indie Excellence Award”

Additionally, in February of 2022 Elle Magazine based on the selection of Ms. Brea Baker rated “Systematic Land Theft” 1 of 28 best Black History books written!  Ms. Baker, honored Hishaw and other leaders in an interview June 2022 in celebration of Juneteenth to discuss her work as it relates to reparations. This interview was published in Elle Magazine as well.