Self-study: Farmers in Peril

farmer looking at his crops

Based on live webinar held June 16, 2020 during the AIRA AC Virtual Series.

Farming bankruptcies are soaring and recently (2019) hit a nine-year high. This session takes a look at the financial issues that have been plaguing the farming industry, affecting both producers and processors. The discussion covers the unique options that clients in this industry have to help them navigate through distress and how these protections differ from those for commercial clients. The panel digs into nuances within the farming industry including chapter 12, the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act, PACA / PASA, and much more.

Learning Objectives

After completing this program, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify sources of financial distress plaguing both producers and processors in the farming industries;
  2. Understand options for navigating financial distress available to clients in the farming industries; and
  3. Understand the unique legal protections available to producers and processors.

Instructors

Harve C. Light (Managing Director, Conway MacKenzie)&mdashHarve Light has worked with both healthy and distressed companies. He specializes in providing strategic and in-depth services including crisis management, strategic planning, financial analysis, and big data analytics. Mr. Light has worked with hundreds of middle market companies and several private equity firms across a wide range of industries throughout North America including financial, real estate, technology, automotive, and retail & consumer products. He has a solid reputation as a pragmatic and realistic practitioner in turnaround situations with distressed companies. Mr. Light brings a unique perspective of how creditors approach troubled situations. He is known for eliminating the adversarial environment and gaining consensus among stakeholders.

Jessica R. Marek (Director, Conway MacKenzie)—Jessica Marek is a Director specializing in providing financial advisory and turnaround and restructuring support services to distressed and underperforming companies. Ms. Marek has experience working in varying advisory roles providing support to companies, lenders, creditors, and investors. Ms. Marek’s background includes in-court and out-ofcourt corporate turnarounds and restructurings, strategic assessments, business plan development and analysis, cash flow and liquidity management, mergers and acquisitions advisory and transaction services support. She has diversified industry experience which includes automotive, building products, business services, construction and engineering, consumer products, distribution, financial services, food and beverage, industrial services, manufacturing, and metals.

Ryan T. Murphy (Shareholder, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.)—Mr. Murphy is a shareholder at Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., which has 300 lawyers across the upper Midwest with its principal office in Minneapolis, MN. He is the Chair of the firm’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workouts group. Mr. Murphy represents companies and individuals in Chapter 11 bankruptcies and workouts. He also represents receivers, assignees and other parties in receiverships and assignments for the benefit of creditors. Mr. Murphy has been named a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy Attorneys, one of “The Best Lawyers in America,” and a “Super Lawyer” by Minnesota Journal of Law & Politics. His work on particular matters has been recognized by several organizations. The Turnaround Management Association – Global awarded Mr. Murphy the Nonprofit Turnaround of the Year for 2018 and Transaction of the Year for 2018. He has served as the President of the Turnaround Management Association, Minnesota Chapter and the Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section, and remains active in those organizations.

Price $65
CPE Credit Recommended, 1 CPE Credit hour(s), field of study—Specialized Knowledge - Technical;
Knowledge level Basic—Most beneficial to CPAs and other financial advisors new to a skill or attribute, including individuals at staff or entry level in an organization as well as seasoned professionals who desire increased knowledge in the subject matter.
Additional Info Online registration and payment of fee will allow materials to sent to the participant’s email address and the participant must submit request for CPE credit after completing the requirements (instructions enclosed with materials). Presenters’ PowerPoint slides for reference are included with materials. If unable to register online, participants may call AIRA’s office at (541) 858-1665 to order.
Format Digital Materials
Prerequisites None
Advance prep None

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Refunds:

Requests for refunds must be received within 10 days after receipt of course subject to a $25 cancellation fee and return of all materials in good condition.

Question Resolution

For assistance regarding refunds, program cancellations, or other program related matters, please contact our offices at (541) 858-1665 or by email aira@aira.org.

National Registry of CPE Sponsors

Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors (AIRA) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for group training on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.

NASBA CPE Credits are made available and awarded for AIRA group training that complies with the Statement on Standards for CPE Programs. In accordance with these Standards, relevant group training details are disclosed to learners in advance via email invitations, registration websites, or other similar advance announcements.

AIRA’s CPE Sponsor ID Numbers:

  • NASBA National Registry: 103243
  • Texas State Board of Public Accountancy: 003242

Complaints regarding NASBA National Registry CPE Sponsors may be submitted to NASBA via their website, NASBARegistry.org. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of CPE Credits for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).