In a significant move to engage with the agricultural community, the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) has announced a free webinar featuring The Honorable Judge Stephen A. Vaden, Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The webinar, titled “A Conversation with USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden: Update on Ag Trade, Financial Assistance, USDA Reorganization & Related Issues,” is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Eastern / 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Central.
Deputy Secretary Vaden will discuss a range of critical topics, including developments in international market access and trade agreements, USDA financial assistance programs, reorganization efforts, regulatory and litigation priorities, and other issues affecting producers, lenders, and stakeholders across the agricultural sector. This webinar comes at a pivotal time as global markets, trade policies, and regulatory priorities continue to evolve, making it essential for stakeholders to stay informed about USDA’s policies and their potential impact on agriculture in 2026 and beyond.
“As global markets, trade policy and regulatory priorities continue to shift, it is critical for producers and stakeholders to understand how USDA’s policies are evolving,” said Deputy Secretary Vaden. “I am happy to engage with the National Agricultural Law Center to discuss these timely topics.”
Drawing on his extensive background as an attorney, former USDA General Counsel, federal judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade, and current USDA Deputy Secretary, Vaden is well-positioned to provide insights into USDA’s trade strategy, policy initiatives, and the agricultural law and policy issues most likely to impact the sector in the coming years. His unique perspective, honed through years of service in various high-profile roles, offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing American agriculture.
Harrison Pittman, Director of the National Agricultural Law Center, emphasized the significance of this webinar, stating, “Deputy Secretary Vaden brings an unmatched perspective from his service as a federal judge and USDA General Counsel. This webinar offers a timely opportunity for the agricultural community to hear directly from USDA leadership about the policies and priorities that will impact agriculture in 2026 and beyond.”
Deputy Secretary Vaden’s tenure at the USDA has been marked by significant achievements, including leading regulatory reform initiatives, implementing the 2018 Farm Bill, overseeing the relocation and reorganization of key agencies, and contributing to the development of regulations related to hemp production and bioengineered food disclosure. His leadership has also been instrumental in supporting programs designed to assist producers affected by foreign trade barriers.
Before entering public service, Vaden practiced law at prestigious firms such as Jones Day and Patton Boggs, specializing in appellate litigation and political law. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Yale Law School, bringing a robust academic background to his role at the USDA.
The webinar is open to all interested parties, and registration is available online through the National Agricultural Law Center’s website. For those unable to attend, a full archive of past webinars is available on the NALC’s website, providing a valuable resource for ongoing education and information.
The National Agricultural Law Center, created by Congress in 1987, serves as the nation’s leading source of agricultural and food law research and information. The NALC works closely with producers, agribusinesses, 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 Center is a unit of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and collaborates closely with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and the National Agricultural Library.
This webinar represents an important opportunity for the agricultural community to gain insights into the USDA’s strategic direction and to engage directly with key leadership. As the agricultural sector navigates the complexities of international trade, financial assistance programs, and regulatory changes, staying informed and connected with USDA priorities is crucial for all stakeholders. The National Agricultural Law Center’s initiative to host this webinar underscores its commitment to providing timely and relevant information to support the agricultural community.