Making connections and hearing perspectives from different states and facets of agriculture are among the most valuable takeaways from the annual Next Generation program hosted by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation, say two attendees from the National Agricultural Law Center.

By Mary Hightower
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture 

Fast Facts

  • Next-Generation program connects new attorneys, law students to industry pros, issues
  • NALC fellow, staffer value networking opportunities
Professional headshot of a smiling young woman with long, wavy light-brown hair and blue eyes, looking at the camera. She wears a structured black blazer over a maroon top against a plain white background.

Madison Mills was part of a cohort selected to attend Next-Gen to help young attorneys with an interest in ag and food law. (UADA image)

UNDATED — Making connections and hearing perspectives from different states and facets of agriculture are among the most valuable takeaways from the annual Next Generation program hosted by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation, say two attendees from the National Agricultural Law Center.

Madison Mills, the inaugural Scott E. Fancher Agricultural Law Fellowship recipient at NALC, attended this year’s event, while Mary Eichenberger, now a staff attorney at NALC, attended the event in 2025.

The 2026 Next Generation program was held during the NASDA annual meeting Sept. 13-16 at Portland, Maine. This program is designed to engage college students with leaders in agricultural policy and industry, fostering professional connections and promoting exposure to state and federal policy discussions.

“As agriculture continues to evolve in the face of new challenges and opportunities, investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders is more important than ever,” NASDA Foundation Senior Director Chris Jones said.

Making connections

Mills, of El Centro, California, grew up in a family whose agriculture connections go back generations. She is in her third year at the California Western School of Law.

“Attending Next-Gen was extremely valuable to me because it gave me the opportunity to learn not only about issues facing California agriculture, but also about challenges affecting agriculture across the country,” Mills said. “It was especially valuable to hear directly from state agricultural leaders and other professionals working on these issues.”

Mills said one of the highlights was meeting California Secretary of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross.

“That is an opportunity I likely would not have had without Next-Gen, NASDA, and the National Agricultural Law Center,” Mills said. “I am extremely grateful to have been selected for the program and to have had the opportunity to build connections with people working throughout the agricultural industry.”

Mills took part in 4-H and FFA, then majoring in agricultural communications as an undergrad.

“Through those experiences, I always knew that I wanted my career to serve the agricultural industry in some capacity,” she said.

“Within agricultural law, I am particularly interested in water and environmental law,” Mills said. “Water scarcity, allocation and quality are critical issues facing both California agriculture and communities throughout the state, and I am especially interested in how the law can help address those challenges.”

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