UAPB - School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences

The : Small Farm Program, in cooperation with the East Arkansas Enterprise Community (EAEC), is operating a new program that assists individuals seeking farm loans, individuals who have loans and need help restructuring their debts, and those who need help in rebuilding their credit to get a loan. Please help us spread the word by sharing this post!

“This new program, ‘The Agricultural Finance, Tax Asset Protection (AgFTAP)’ program is designed to help producers who have financial problems develop strategies to address their situation,” Dr. Henry English, director of UAPB’s Small Farm Program, said. “Staff working with this program can help individuals understand and complete USDA loan applications, including Farm Service Agency (FSA) Loan Servicing Packages, and, if needed, develop farm business plans.”

Individuals who participate in the program will be educated, trained and assisted in developing customized enterprise budgets, break-even analyses, balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements and income/expenses projects, he said.

For additional information, contact Alexis Cole, program aide with the East Arkansas Enterprise Community, at 870- 630-2005.

Please help us congratulate Dr. W. Jinnings Burruss Jr., associate professor of foodservice and restaurant management at UAPB, who recently won the Delta Chapter’s Chef of the Year award during the Annual Delta Diamond Chef Awards Gala and Competition at Saracen Casino Resort Event Center in Pine Bluff. The event was hosted by the American Culinary Federation, Arkansas Delta and Central Arkansas Chef’s Associations.
https://uapbnews.wpcomstaging.com/2026/06/22/uapbs-dr-w-jinnings-burruss-jr-wins-delta-chapters-chef-cook-of-the-year-award/

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences was proud to participate in the 2026 American Community Gardening Association National Conference in Little Rock, where faculty and Extension specialists shared expertise on community gardening, small-scale agriculture and food access.

"Community gardeners are the backbone of fresh produce for many urban and rural populations where access to fresh fruits and vegetables can be limited," said Dr. Sathish Kumar Ponniah, professor of plant science.

UAPB representatives highlighted a variety of programs that support Arkansas communities, including farm loan opportunities, pollinator education, youth engagement through 4-H, sweetpotato production, intergenerational gardening and plant selection strategies for Delta growers.

Presenters included Dr. Obadiah Njue, Dr. Henry English, Dr. Yong Park, Dr. Tomekia White, Shaun Francis, Dr. Karleah Harris and Dr. Ponniah.

The conference provided an opportunity to showcase how UAPB's research, Extension and outreach efforts support community gardeners, small-scale producers and families across Arkansas.

UAPB-SAFHS hosted its annual AgDiscovery Camp, June 8-12 on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff campus. The camp served local students from surrounding school districts and the Boys & Girls Club of Pine Bluff. Throughout the week, participants engaged in hands-on activities, presentations and tours designed to introduce them to agriculture and related career opportunities.

The five-day camp was directed by UAPB’s Dameion White, who coordinated interactive learning experiences to help students gain a better understanding of agriculture and careers in the field.

“The purpose of this camp is to introduce young students to the different career pathways in agriculture,” White said. “Agriculture is more than farm work. That’s why we exposed students to our research laboratories, AI research lab and hands-on activities that demonstrate the many opportunities available within the agriculture industry.”

Read more here:
https://uapbnews.wpcomstaging.com/2026/06/18/local-students-participate-in-uapbs-agdiscovery-camp/
UAPB AgDiscovery

Three UAPB students are spending part of their summer immersed in Spanish language and culture through a study abroad program in Costa Rica.

Cornelia Watts, Matthew Harris and Dexter Brady are participating in the program as part of UAPB's Spanish Minor, where they are strengthening their language skills through intensive coursework, cultural experiences and daily interactions with local communities.

The students also received support from the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association, which donated $3,000 to assist participants and provided medical supplies for the group during their stay abroad.

According to John Peterson, instructor of Spanish at UAPB, the impact of the experience extends far beyond the classroom.

"They are witnessing the wonderful Costa Rican culture while being in the midst of it. They are engaging in intensive and practical Spanish courses. They are finding parts of themselves they didn't know existed. In other words, they are becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable."

By living and learning in Costa Rica, students are gaining firsthand international experience, developing cross-cultural competencies and building skills that will serve them in their academic and professional careers, Peterson said.

One year after launching a partnership with the National Black Growers Council and Ducks Unlimited, UAPB-SAFHS is making progress on major water management and conservation improvements at the UAPB Lonoke Farm. Planned upgrades will help increase irrigation efficiency, reduce groundwater use, lower operating costs and create new hands-on learning opportunities for students while demonstrating innovative conservation practices for producers across Arkansas.

Read more about how UAPB is investing in the future of sustainable agriculture and water stewardship.
https://uapbnews.wpcomstaging.com/2026/06/16/uapb-continues-technology-advancements-at-lonoke-farm-through-conservation-partnership/

Healthy forests begin with thoughtful planning and long-term management, according to Charley E. Williams, a UAPB alumnus and member of UAPB’s Keeping it in the Family (KIITF) Sustainable Forestry Program.

Williams, a veteran Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil conservationist, said many small forest landowners underestimate the importance of developing a forest management plan early, often waiting until problems become costly or difficult to reverse.

“The starting point in determining which conservation practices to install – and one of the most important decisions a landowner can make – is understanding the productive potential of the forest land,” Williams said.

Follow the link to the article for advice for landowners on managing healthy forests:
https://uapbnews.wpcomstaging.com/2026/06/15/uapb-forestry-expert-shares-advice-for-landowners-seeking-healthier-forests/
UAPB: Small Farm Program

🌱 From a backyard garden to a thriving community resource, Krystle Rucker's journey demonstrates the power of agriculture to strengthen families, build confidence and create opportunities for others.

After participating in the UAPB: Small Farm Program's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program, Rucker continued growing Rucker Farm Co., where she now produces fresh food, hosts educational workshops and serves neurodiverse children and families throughout Arkansas.

Read how one family's passion for gardening blossomed into a mission to grow food, build community and inspire others.

🔗 https://uapbnews.wpcomstaging.com/2026/06/12/from-backyard-garden-to-community-resource-rucker-farm-grows-food-skills-and-connections/

Rucker Farm Co.

UAPB-SAFHS recently hosted the 1890 Center of Excellence Student Success and Workforce Development Symposium. Check out this article, which recaps the four-day event that brought together students, faculty, administrators and stakeholders from 1890 land-grant institutions across the nation to foster academic excellence, student success and workforce development.

Centered on the theme, “Enhancing, Advancing and Promoting Academic Excellence, Student Success and Workforce Development at 1890 Land-Grant Institutions,” the symposium featured workshops, presentations, networking opportunities and collaborative activities designed to equip students with leadership, professional and financial literacy skills.

Dr. Nina Lyon-Bennett, assistant dean for academics and symposium facilitator, said the event was designed to create a meaningful experience for attendees.
“It was impactful, meaningful and not just another gathering,” Dr. Bennett said. “Each session had purpose and meaning. The goal of bringing together faculty, students, community partners and workforce stakeholders for four days was achieved.”
https://uapbnews.wpcomstaging.com/2026/06/11/uapb-hosts-2026-1890-center-of-excellence-student-success-and-workforce-development-symposium/

Why do w**ds keep coming back in your pond?

According to Scott Jones, small impoundment Extension specialist, the w**ds themselves are often only a symptom of a deeper issue. In this article, you will learn why nuisance aquatic vegetation develops, how pond conditions influence w**d growth and what steps landowners can take to achieve lasting results.

Read more and discover practical tips for maintaining a healthier pond!
https://uapbnews.wpcomstaging.com/2026/06/10/understanding-the-cause-and-treatment-of-w**d-growth-in-fish-ponds/

UA Pine Bluff Aquaculture Fisheries Center