Navigating farm debt, ag bankruptcy focus at Mid-South conference
The conference will be held June 5-6 in Memphis, Tennessee, with a livestream option available. It is co-hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center and NASDA Foundation.
By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Feb. 6, 2025
Fast facts:
- Conference session focuses on navigating financial, economic hardships
- Panel will discuss farm debt, Chapter 12 bankruptcy
- Registration is online, livestream option available
(529 words)
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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.”
NALC Director Harrison Pittman said many farmers are suffering financial difficulties.
“Many parts of the farm economy have been hit pretty darn hard year-over-year, and current market projections are often less than ideal,” said NALC Director Harrison Pittman. “This is creating a lot of issues for producers, landowners, lenders and attorneys that represent these folks. We’re honored that Renee and Russel will share their deep experience with this year’s in-person and online attendees.”
For information about the NALC, visit nationalaglawcenter.org. The NALC is also on X, Facebook and LinkedIn. Subscribe online to receive NALC Communications, including webinar announcements, the NALC’s Quarterly Newsletter, and The Feed.
Continuing legal education available
The Mid-South conference will be submitted for CLE accreditation in Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Approval for CE will also be sought from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Those who register by May 13 are eligible for bonus CLE/CE through the online conference “Early Bird” on May 14.
About the National Agricultural Law Center
Created by Congress in 1987, the National Agricultural Law Center serves as the nation’s leading source of agricultural and food law research and information. The NALC works with producers, agribusinesses, state and federal policymakers, lenders, Congressional staffers, attorneys, land grant universities, students, and many others to provide objective, nonpartisan agricultural and food law research and information to the nation’s agricultural community.
The NALC is a unit of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and works in close partnership with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Agricultural Library.
About the NASDA Foundation
The NASDA Foundation is the only educational and research organization that directly serves the nation’s state departments of agriculture. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of the NASDA Foundation is to advance agriculture to shape a changing world.
For more information on the NASDA Foundation, visit nasda.org/nasda-foundation. The NASDA Foundation is also on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media contact:
Drew Viguet
Communications & Special Projects Coordinator
National Agricultural Law Center
dviguet@uark.edu