Mid-South ag law conference highlights SCOTUS updates, trends
April 17, 2026
By Ramie Parsons
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A Division of Agriculture
April 17, 2026
Fast Facts
- American Farm Bureau Federation attorney hosts “Early Bird” session May 13
- Annual ag and environmental law conference set for June 5 in Memphis
- Registration available online, including livestream option
(364 words)
Download a photo of Travis Cushman
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions in agriculture impact every region of the country, and an upcoming session at a premier agricultural law conference will highlight the latest developments in the Mid-South.
American Farm Bureau Federation’s Travis Cushman, deputy general counsel of litigation and public policy, will lead a session for the 13th Annual Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference’s online “Early Bird” event on May 13 titled “Supreme Court & Ag Litigation Update.” Register for the pre-conference event by May 12.
The annual conference in June is co-hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation.
“The Supreme Court’s role in the ag sector has been very significant in recent years, and remains so,” said Harrison Pittman, director of the law center. “Travis tracks all of this, including litigation that could be headed to the court, and we’re very fortunate that he’ll be a part of this year’s Mid-South conference.”
Updates and insights
Cushman’s session will provide a comprehensive update of decisions by the high court affecting agriculture, land use and environmental regulation, along with a review of significant agricultural litigation trends from the past year.
Attendees will gain practical insights into how these rulings may shape compliance strategies, property rights and regulatory enforcement for agricultural producers and rural landowners.
"We're seeing a period of significant legal shifts that directly impact how farmers and landowners navigate everything from water rights to regulatory oversight,” Cushman said. “This session will help practitioners stay ahead of those changes and advise their clients with confidence."
Meeting in Memphis
The annual Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference will be held June 4-5 in Memphis, Tennessee. Details are available at nationalaglawcenter.org/midsouth2026.
This conference features continuing legal education credit, as well as continuing education from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
“Thanks to everyone who has registered so far,” Pittman said. “We’re looking forward to another terrific Mid-South conference this year.”
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.
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 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 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.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
Ramie Parsons
Resource Editor & Digital Operations Specialist
National Agricultural Law Center
rparsons@uark.edu