Ag Conference to Tackle Court Ruling Shift

Experts Will Discuss Agency Power Changes Post Chevron

The future of federal agency power in agriculture will be discussed at the third annual Western Water, Ag, and Environmental Law Conference on June 19–20 in Reno, Nevada. The event is co-hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) and the NASDA Foundation.

This year’s key session focuses on the Supreme Court’s recent Loper Bright v. Raimondo decision, which overturned the Chevron doctrine. The change means that judges—not federal agencies—will now have greater authority in interpreting laws.

NALC’s Brigit Rollins explained, “Under Chevron, courts typically deferred to federal agencies’ interpretations of statutes when parties challenged that agency’s action in court.”

Legal expert Lauren J. Caster will join Rollins in analyzing the case’s short- and long-term implications for agriculture, especially in the highly regulated Western U.S.

According to NALC Director Harrison Pittman, “Agriculture is arguably the most heavily regulated industry in the country. Thus, any change in the scope of agency authority has a major impact on the ag industry.”

The conference will provide 12 continuing legal education hours, including two ethics hours. It also offers education credit from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.

The event features a livestream option for remote attendees. Registration and further details are available at nationalaglawcenter.org/western2025.

The NALC, a part of the University of Arkansas System, provides agriculture-focused legal resources and research. The NASDA Foundation supports innovation in agriculture through educational programs and partnerships.