The agricultural landscape is set to gain some invaluable insights this May, as the Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, Wes Ward, prepares to deliver the keynote address at the 12th Annual Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference. Ward, who also serves as the president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), will share his perspectives on state agriculture departments, trade, and the ag industry in a presentation titled “Perspectives on State Ag Departments, Trade, and Ag Industry.”
The keynote will kick off the conference’s online “Early Bird” program on May 14, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with Ward’s insights before the main conference takes place in June. This bonus event is not to be missed, as it provides continuing legal education credit, as well as continuing education from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. To participate, attendees must register for the Mid-South conference by May 13.
Ward’s address is expected to shed light on the critical role state agriculture departments play in shaping policies and regulations that impact the industry. His leadership at NASDA and his extensive experience in Arkansas agriculture position him as a leading voice in the ag community. Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC), expressed enthusiasm about Ward’s participation, stating, “Wes is a leading voice for the ag community in Arkansas and beyond, and we’re looking forward to him sharing his perspectives with us for the conference keynote.”
The Mid-South conference is co-hosted by the NALC and the NASDA Foundation, marking a significant collaboration between two prominent organizations in the agricultural law sphere. This partnership is set to benefit stakeholders immensely, as both entities share a common goal of advancing agricultural law and policy. Pittman highlighted the similarities between NALC and the NASDA Foundation, emphasizing the tremendous benefits this conference partnership will bring to stakeholders.
Ward himself expressed his anticipation for the event, stating, “I look forward to discussing the current state of agriculture during the Mid-South ‘Early Bird,’ as well as where things are heading for the industry.” His remarks underscore the importance of dialogue and knowledge-sharing among state agriculture departments and agricultural stakeholders as policies and regulations continue to evolve.
The Mid-South conference is just one of the two conferences the NALC and the NASDA Foundation are co-hosting in 2025. The other is the Western Water, Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference, further cementing their commitment to fostering dialogue and education in agricultural law.
For those interested in attending the Mid-South conference, registration is available online. The event promises to be a valuable platform for learning, networking, and gaining insights from industry leaders like Ward. As the agricultural industry continues to navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes, events like these play a crucial role in keeping stakeholders informed and engaged.