Farm Credit contends mediation is unnecessary
9:13 p.m. Aug. 18, 2025
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
A federal judge has ordered Farm Credit Mid-America, PCA, to respond by Tuesday, Aug. 19, to a motion filed by Uncle Nearest Inc. and its affiliates seeking to compel mediation in their ongoing legal dispute.
U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. issued the order at 3:58 p.m. ET Monday, Aug. 18, just four minutes after Farm Credit filed its formal objection to mediation at 3:54 p.m. The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Farm Credit contends mediation is unnecessary and premature, citing the court’s earlier finding that appointing a receiver was “necessary to protect Farm Credit’s interests.” In its objection, the lender argued that more than a year of negotiations with Uncle Nearest and its leadership had failed to resolve the matter. It also raised concerns about the company’s solvency, the lack of clarity regarding a proposed investor group, and the potential cost and delay of mediation.
The lender further alleged that – despite the judge's gag order – recent public comments by Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver undermine the confidentiality typically expected in mediation proceedings.
If the court ultimately orders mediation despite its objections, Farm Credit has suggested a list of potential mediators and requested that any settlement offers be submitted in writing and signed by all parties in advance.
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