By Jamie Martin
Increased financial pressure is affecting farmers across the United States, with farm bankruptcies rising by 55 percent from 2023 to 2024. The American Farm Bureau Federation reports that 216 farm bankruptcy cases were filed in 2024 alone. This trend highlights the ongoing economic challenges within the agriculture sector.
To support those impacted, the Western Water, Ag, and Environmental Law Conference will be held on June 19-20 in Reno, Nevada. A featured session by Jamie Dreher, partner at Downey Brand LLP, will provide practical insights into managing agricultural bankruptcies.
Dreher’s session, titled “Dealing with Farm Debt in the West,” will discuss real challenges farmers face under Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 bankruptcy laws. He will also explore foreclosure processes and how legal professionals can protect security interests in crops, land, and equipment.
“Unfortunately, financial distress and bankruptcies have become more common in light of the overall ag economy,” said Jamie Dreher, partner/chair of Litigation at California-based law firm Downey Brand LLP. “The ag industry across the western states and elsewhere is likely to continue facing significant headwinds through the next year, adding to the financial uncertainty.”
This conference is organized by the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) in collaboration with the NASDA Foundation. “Downey Brand LLP has been a great friend to the NALC, including being a Founding Supporter of our newsletter, The Feed,” NALC Director Harrison Pittman. “We’re honored Downey Brand will again be a big part of this annual program. Jamie is highly regarded in this area, and particularly adept at walking through these issues in a relevant way even for those who don’t work in this area day-to-day.”
Participants can earn continuing legal education credits, including ethics, and continuing education hours from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Registration and full details are available at nationalaglawcenter.org/western2025.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: National