The conference will be held June 5-6 in Memphis, Tennessee, with a livestream option available. It is co-hosted by the NALC and NASDA Foundation.
By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Feb. 10, 2025
Fast facts:
- Session to focus on landmark Supreme Court decision on agency authority
- Nationally recognized food and ag industry lawyers will present
- Registration is available online
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Financial hardship hits agricultural producers in the Mid-South in a variety of ways — through increased costs, decreased commodity prices, natural disasters and more — and an upcoming conference session aims to shed light on what producers can do in the face of heavy debt and possible bankruptcy.
At the 12th Annual Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference, the session “Dealing with Debt: Practical Considerations in Preparing for and Navigating Ag Bankruptcy” will be presented by Russell Morgan, certified agricultural consultant, agribusiness advisor and owner of Morgan Agricultural Consulting Services, and Renee Williams, Chapter 12 trustee at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas. Morgan and Williams have years of professional experience in navigating financial matters.
The conference will be held June 5-6 in Memphis, Tennessee, at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, and co-hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center, or NALC, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation, or NASDA Foundation. A livestream option is also available.
Registration for the Mid-South is available online at nationalaglawcenter.org/midsouth2025.
“Agricultural producers face an array of production and financial challenges in their daily business operations — many of them unique to agriculture,” said Morgan. “A number of these challenges are outside their direct control, potentially impacting overall financial and debt situation to a very significant degree. Declining commodity prices, rising input costs, abnormal weather patterns, natural disasters and various other factors can lead to substantially increased debt and/or reduced debt repayment capacity Chapter 12 bankruptcy may be an option for these producers to ‘Pause, Pivot, and Proceed.’”
With Chapter 12, a debtor submits a repayment plan to a court for approval. The plan details how payments will be made to creditors, or those whom the debtor owes, on a consistent basis. Creditors are involved in the court proceedings.
Williams noted that filing for Chapter 12 bankruptcy is not something that should be taken lightly.
“Agricultural bankruptcies have lingering impacts on producers and families,” she said. “There’s a lot to navigate when considering this process and if it’s a feasible option for your farm and family. I’m looking forward to discussing this important topic with Russell at the Mid-South.”
To read the full news release, click here.