By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture
May 22, 2025
Fast facts:
- Conference panelists will discuss the latest on ag from Capitol Hill
- Sessions are part of Mid-South and Western ag law conferences
- Registration, including livestream option, is online
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — From trade and tariffs to pesticide regulations, the Farm Bill and beyond, there is no shortage of ag-related developments from Capitol Hill — and two prominent congressional staffers will offer updates on federal actions impacting agriculture at upcoming conferences.
Fitzhugh Elder IV, Republican staff director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Clark Ogilvie, special counsel for the Democratic staff of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, will lead the “Update from the Potomac” panels at the 12th Annual Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference and the 3rd Annual Western Water, Agricultural, and Environmental Law Conference.
The two conferences are hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center, or NALC, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation, or NASDA Foundation. Both programs offer continuing legal education credit, including ethics, as well as continuing education from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
Both Elder and Ogilvie are returning conference speakers.
“Fitzhugh and Clark are in the room for many important federal discussions that shape agriculture and the environment,” NALC Director Harrison Pittman said. “Their insights will help Mid-South and Western attendees better understand and anticipate policy shifts that affect their operations, legal practices and businesses. We’re honored for them to return to these programs and share their perspectives.”
The session titles vary slightly by location to reflect each conference’s regional focus:
- Mid-South: “Update from the Potomac: Farm Bill, Ag Trade, EPA, and Related Federal Issues”
- Western: “Update from the Potomac: Farm Bill, Public Lands, and Related Issues”
Registration for both conference programs can be found on the NALC website at nationalaglawcenter.org/legaleducation.
Elder said he looks forward to providing an update to attendees.
“These conferences are top-notch programs for anyone involved in agricultural law and policy — including producers, students and anyone looking to learn more about the current state of agriculture,” said Elder. “Decisions made in D.C. impact the nation’s agricultural community. Whether we’re talking about federal lands in the West or trade markets affecting farmers across the South, these issues are complex and evolve quickly.”
Ogilvie said the sessions offer a chance to assess the current state of U.S. agriculture and what lies ahead.
“I look forward to sharing the latest from Washington,” Ogilvie said. “These sessions are opportunities to break down what’s happened so far, along with what might be on the horizon for key federal issues. There will be no shortage of topics to cover.”
The sessions will also be interactive, with attendees encouraged to ask the panelists questions.
To read the full news release, click here.