In the heart of the American agricultural landscape, a storm is brewing. Farmers are finding themselves in a financial vise, squeezed between soaring interest rates and a significant drop in net income. The result? A sharp uptick in farm bankruptcies. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. courts saw a 55% increase in farm bankruptcy filings between 2023 and 2024, with 216 cases reported in 2024 alone. This trend is not just a blip on the radar; it’s a wake-up call for attorneys, lenders, agribusinesses, and everyone invested in the future of agriculture.
Jamie Dreher, a partner at California-based law firm Downey Brand LLP, is all too familiar with this grim reality. She chairs the firm’s litigation practice and will lead a session at the upcoming 3rd Annual Western Water, Ag, and Environmental Law Conference in Reno, Nevada. The conference, held June 19-20, is a gathering of legal eagles, students, and ag industry professionals, all eager to grapple with the timely legal and policy issues facing the agriculture and food industry in the Western states.
Dreher’s session, titled “Dealing with Farm Debt in the West: Practical Considerations in Preparing for and Navigating Ag Bankruptcy,” promises to be a deep dive into the complexities of Chapter 12 and Chapter 11 bankruptcies. She’ll explore the challenges faced by farmers and agricultural businesses from both debtor-operator and creditor perspectives, shedding light on issues that often go unnoticed.
The session will cover a wide range of topics, from insolvency-related issues like ranch and farm foreclosures to the intricacies of priority, enforcement, and security interests in crops, water rights, and equipment. Dreher’s goal is to provide practical, real-world considerations that attendees can take back to their respective fields.
The Western conference is a joint effort by the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation (NASDA Foundation). Harrison Pittman, NALC Director, underscores the conference’s importance, stating that it offers valuable information and resources for stakeholders, regardless of their field.
Downey Brand LLP has been a long-time supporter of the NALC, and Dreher is known for her ability to break down complex issues into digestible, relevant insights. Her session is expected to be a highlight of the conference, offering attendees a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the financial challenges facing the agricultural industry and the legal tools available to navigate them.
As the agricultural industry continues to face significant headwinds, conferences like the Western and sessions like Dreher’s become increasingly important. They provide a platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration, all of which are crucial for finding solutions to the challenges ahead. Whether you’re an attorney, a student, or an ag industry professional, the Western conference is a must-attend event. Registration, including livestream options, is available online.