The Oklahoma Ag Mediation program offers a specialized, no-cost resource for farmers and ranchers to resolve complex disputes outside of the courtroom. Founded in 1988, the program has assisted thousands of producers in navigating disagreements with neighbors, financial institutions, and government agencies. By providing a neutral environment, Oklahoma Ag Mediation helps parties find mutually agreeable solutions to maintain the stability of their agricultural operations.
Addressing Diverse Agricultural Challenges
The program handles roughly 15 different types of cases under its grant program. Mike Mayberry notes that financial issues are currently at the forefront of their caseload.
“Right now we’re seeing a lot of financial or financially-based cases. It might be a loan acceleration… the times right now have accumulated to the point where people sometimes are having trouble paying their bills.”
Common financial disputes involve housing loans through USDA agencies, bank loans, or USDA-guaranteed loans. Beyond finance, the program also assists with sensitive matters like family farm transitions, which can involve multiple heirs and complex details.
The Mediation Process: Efficiency and Neutrality
When a producer contacts the office, the staff identifies the necessary participants and schedules a convenient time and place for the session. A typical mediation is efficient, often concluding in two hours or less.
Mayberry emphasizes that the mediator does not impose a decision. Instead, the mediator’s role is to facilitate productive dialogue.
“The mediator doesn’t decide the outcome of the mediation—the parties do. The mediator’s job is to keep people talking and exploring options as to what the outcome might be. Then, when the parties find something they can both agree to, that’s when a mediation is successful.”
Each party is given the opportunity to present their version of the situation, allowing the group to “knit together possible solutions” that might not have been considered previously.
Benefits Over Litigation
Choosing mediation over legal action offers several advantages, including cost savings and confidentiality. The program boasts a success rate in the high 80% range.
“It’s an excellent environment to discuss the problem and see what’s going on really. Sometimes people stop talking when they think they’re in controversy… A good mediator can sometimes spot an option that nobody even considered.”
Mayberry stresses that the process is entirely confidential; discussions held at the mediation table are not shared with outside parties. Furthermore, the service is provided at no cost to the participants.
Early Intervention and Accessibility
Agricultural producers are encouraged to reach out as soon as a dispute arises. Early intervention often leads to a wider range of available resolution options. Mayberry points out that there is no reason for producers to feel anxious about calling for help.
“If somebody has an anxiety about calling us, they shouldn’t. We’re very friendly, very easy to work with. It’s not lawyer-like… it’s an easy environment to enter and to stay in until your problem is resolved at the best level it can be.”
While the office does not provide legal advice, they can quickly determine if a case is eligible for their services. For more information, producers can visit the official website at www.ok.gov/mediation or call their toll-free number at 1-800-248-5465.
