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Arkansas Research and Extension

Fact sheet
SNAPSHOT — A quick look at what the Division of Agriculture does. Click on the document image to download.

Since establishment of land grant universities in the late 19th century, Arkansas has benefited from the research done through the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and outreach of the Cooperative Extension Service. The two work in partnership with the Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences to provide the extension, research and teaching that comprise the land grant mission in the United States.

In addition, we provide diagnostic services, host a state Public Policy Center, the National Agricultural Law Center, and other centers whose work affects the production and safety of our food, fiber and fuel supply.

Chick getting a vaccination

Technology Commercialization

Our Technology Commercialization Office ensures our world-class research can benefit Arkansas and the world.

 
Aroma 22

Rice breeding

The Rice Breeding Program has a long history of rice releases benefiting Arkansas farmers. These varieties are developed to be adapted for our state's growing conditions and to help open new markets for Arkansas Rice. 

Yellow chick in a palm

Poultry research

See how our researchers are helping to keep Arkansas' poultry industry strong.  
Two Westbrook nectarines in a hand

Fruit breeding and research

Our breeding program is providing farmers with fruit that can help improve marketability, while our research programs help improve fruit and nut production techniques. 
2022 voter ballot guide cover

Voter education 

The Public Policy Center helps Arkansans better understand the financial, social or policy implications of a proposed law by publishing research-based fact sheets and by offering educational programs at the county level. Our goals are to increase voter participation and help Arkansans feel confident in their vote.
APEX Accelerator logo

Boosting small business

The Arkansas Procurement and Technical Assistance Center, which is now changing its name to APEX Accelerator,  is part of a nationwide network working to help small businesses compete successfully in the government marketplace. We work with entrepreneurs across the state, guiding them through government procurement processes. 
4-H clover

4-H Youth Development

4-H is designed to prepare young people to step up to the challenges in their communities and provide youth with the skills to lead for a lifetime. The core elements of 4-H include youth leadership, youth-adult partnerships, life skills learning, and community service. 4‑H programs are grounded in the belief that youth learn best by doing. 
Mark Russell being interviewed by KTHV

Trusted expertise 

With their deep subject knowledge and ability to clearly communicate key points, our Arkansas research ane extension faculty and staff are a trusted source for media and analysts.

 

Overhead look at rice harvest

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station

The Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station serves the people of Arkansas by conducting research and achieving discoveries in agriculture, food and natural resources. 

The Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station  was formally established in 1888 following passage of the Hatch Act of 1887.

Today, the experiment station has five research and extension centers and six research stations around Arkansas and is host to a variety of centers and diagnostic units providing critical information and services to Arkansas and beyond.

In fiscal year 21, the Division of Agriculture reported $67.3 million in research expenditures. that's more than 40 percent of the total of all of the research done at the UA-Fayetteville. Our researchers were cited more than 24,000 times in 2022.

Here are examples of some of our innovations:

 

FCS agents in training

Cooperative Extension Service 

For more than a century, Arkansas has relied on the information provided through the Cooperative Extension Service. Established with 1914's Smith-Lever Act, the Cooperative Extension Service is the bridge between the discoveries made by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and implementation of those discoveries in every day life.

The extension service has agents in all 75 counties conducting educational outreach in agriculture and natural resources; community, professional and economic development; family and consumer science, and the Arkansas 4-H youth development program. 

The extension service also provides direction for the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council and the Arkansas Master Gardener program, providing community education and contributing more than 420,000 volunteers hours a year.

Impact infographic 2022

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