In the ever-evolving landscape of agricultural land ownership and markets, staying informed is crucial for stakeholders across the country. Two upcoming agricultural law conferences aim to provide just that, with sessions dedicated to the latest trends in the West and Mid-South regions. The 12th Annual Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference and the 3rd Annual Western Water, Agricultural, and Environmental Law Conference, both hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation (NASDA Foundation), will feature insights from industry experts Dave Muth and Quinn Kendrick of Peoples Company.
Muth, director of capital markets, and Kendrick, general counsel, will lead sessions titled “Ag Land Transactions in the Mid-South: Update on Market & Legal Trends” and “Ag Land Transactions in the Western U.S.: Update on Market & Legal Trends,” respectively. These sessions will delve into current market and legal trends in agricultural land, offering a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
The agricultural sector is currently navigating significant financial challenges, making ag land investments and collateralization a critical aspect of the landscape. NALC Director Harrison Pittman emphasizes the importance of these sessions in providing a “latest read out on legal and market trends.” The sessions will cover a range of topics, including licensing ecosystem services, corporate and foreign ownership restrictions, distressed assets, due diligence trends, and limitations of liability.
Kendrick highlights the necessity for landowners, investors, and agricultural professionals to stay informed amidst shifting market dynamics and regulatory changes. “As market dynamics shift and regulatory changes continue, landowners, investors, and agricultural professionals must stay informed to navigate these complexities,” Kendrick said. Muth adds that discussing both the market and legal sides will provide a full picture for attendees, including attorneys, lenders, and producers.
The Mid-South conference will kick off with an online “Early Bird” event on May 14, followed by the main program in Memphis, Tennessee, on June 5-6. The Western conference will take place in Reno, Nevada, at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino on June 19-20, with a livestream option available. Both conferences offer continuing legal education credit and continuing education from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
Registration for both conferences is available online, with the Mid-South conference details at nationalaglawcenter.org/midsouth2025 and the Western conference at nationalaglawcenter.org/legaleducation. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, these conferences provide a valuable opportunity for professionals to stay ahead of the curve and navigate the complexities of ag land transactions.