By Mary Hightower
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

Fast Facts

  • Attorneys can earn up to nine CLE/CE hours
  • Registration is open online
An illuminated bridge with double golden arches reflects in a river at twilight. Below, a banner for the 13th Annual Mid-South Agricultural & Environmental Law Conference lists the dates June 4–5, 2026, in Memphis, TN. Logos for the National Agricultural Law Center and NASDA Foundation are displayed on the right.

BBQ & CLEs — The 13th annual Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference, co-hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center and the NASDA Foundation, returns to Memphis this June.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Stephen Alexander Vaden, the United States deputy secretary of agriculture, will keynote the 2026 Mid-South Ag and Environmental Law Conference set for June in Memphis, Tennessee.

The conference is co-hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation. It’s being held at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.

The conference, now in its 13th year, is the premier source for environmental and agricultural policy and legal updates for the Mid-South.

This year’s conference has several components:

  • May 13 — An early bird virtual session, where attorneys can earn required continuing legal education hours.
  • June 4 — “Next Generation of Ag & Food Law: Roundtable for Students,” offering law students an opportunity to engage with practitioners and explore career pathways in agricultural law.
  • June 4 — Beer and BBQ reception at Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous.
  • June 5 — Main conference schedule.

“Where else can attorneys get BBQ and CLEs?” said Harrison Pittman, NALC director. “We’re glad to have Deputy Secretary Vaden. He’s been a fan favorite at this conference, and we are eager to hear about the insights he’s gained as USDA deputy secretary.”

Registration is open online, and a livestream option will be available. Those who register by May 12 can take part in the “Early Bird” session with three hours of bonus CLE and CE.

“We are grateful for our partnership with the NASDA Foundation, which is helping fuel the growth of this conference and sharpening its relevance for participants and all in the agriculture and food industries,” Pittman said.

The NASDA Foundation is an educational and research organization that serves the nation’s state departments of agriculture.

To read the full article, click here.

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