The new law could affect up to 74,000 black farmers according to some news reports.

The average debt for most black farmers is $75,000 to $150,000.

The lodge was built about 1915 by local black farmers.

"They are worried that a black farmer will not have the resources," he said.

That has created a tiny core of black commercial farmers.

Among black farmers in the state, the proportion is about one-third.

But in 1982 there were 45,000 black farmers, according to the agricultural census.

Many groups of black farmers, given huge farms but no training in agriculture or management, simply went under.

"It's a relief though, and it means black farmers will have a chance to survive."

The 1997 lawsuit was filed on behalf of more than 1,000 black farmers.