The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s (UAPB) Discovery Farm Educational Centers are helping shape the future of agriculture in Arkansas by providing hands-on learning opportunities, workforce development experiences and conservation education for students, producers and community members, Dr. Tomekia White, UAPB Extension specialist and outreach director, said.
Since the initiative was announced, the centers have expanded educational programming focused on sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship and career development while creating pathways for youth to explore careers in food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences.
“The Discovery Farm Educational Centers were created to provide meaningful learning experiences that connect students and communities to agriculture,” Dr. White said. “We want participants to see the wide range of opportunities available in agriculture while learning practices that support environmental sustainability and economic growth.”
Located on the UAPB campus and at the UAPB Farm in Lonoke, the Discovery Farm Educational Centers are supported through partnerships with Arkansas Discovery Farms and other organizations. The centers serve as demonstration sites where visitors can learn about conservation practices and innovative agricultural technologies.
Students and visitors to the Discovery Farm Educational Centers are able to explore sustainable farming practices up close and through hands-on activities.
Among the centers’ most significant accomplishments is the establishment of edge-of-field demonstration plots that showcase practices designed to improve water quality, strengthen soil health and enhance irrigation management, Dr. White said.
Conservation features such as native grass buffer strips and biochar demonstration plots allow producers, students and visitors to observe sustainable farming practices in real-world settings.
The centers have also launched a livestock education initiative that provides hands-on learning opportunities in animal agriculture.
Goats are currently part of the program, with sheep and rabbits expected to be added as the initiative continues to grow.
“Our goal is to demonstrate farming systems that are both environmentally responsible and economically viable,” Dr. White said. “By combining research, education and demonstration, we can help producers adopt practices that improve productivity while protecting natural resources.”
Beyond conservation and research, the Discovery Farm Educational Centers have become an important workforce development and recruitment platform.
Through workshops, field days, livestock demonstrations, educational gardens and career exploration activities, students gain firsthand exposure to agricultural careers and academic pathways.
Several students who participated in the program during high school have already chosen to pursue degrees and careers in agriculture.
Among them are Da’lon Smith, who plans to study animal science; Bethany Phillips, who is pursuing food and nutrition studies; and Jamaree Scott, who is entering the field of agribusiness.
“One of the most rewarding outcomes has been seeing students who participated in our programs continue their education in agriculture,” Dr. White said. “Those success stories demonstrate the value of early exposure, mentorship and hands-on learning experiences.”
A group of middle school and high school students learn about UAPB’s Discovery Farm Educational Centers as part of the AgDiscovery summer camp.
The centers’ impact extends into local schools as well. UAPB partners with elementary schools to establish educational gardens and provide training for teachers and students on garden management and sustainable growing practices.
These efforts introduce youth to agriculture at an early age while supporting science-based learning in the classroom.
In 2026, UAPB established a Society of Junior MANRRS chapter serving students in grades 7-12.
The organization promotes leadership development, mentorship and career awareness in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences while helping build a pipeline of future agricultural professionals.
The Discovery Farm Educational Centers currently engage students at multiple educational levels. Participants include undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in agricultural engineering, agribusiness and related disciplines, as well as high school students preparing to enroll at UAPB.
According to Dr. White, the centers’ mission aligns closely with efforts to strengthen economic opportunities across Arkansas.
“The Discovery Farm Educational Centers contribute to economic development by preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders,” she said. “Through education, workforce development and hands-on training, we are helping students and producers gain the knowledge and skills needed to support both rural and urban prosperity.”
The centers also support producers by promoting research-based conservation practices that can improve profitability while enhancing soil health, water quality and environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, UAPB plans to expand educational programming, strengthen workforce development opportunities and increase student engagement in agriculture, natural resources and environmental sciences.
Future plans include adding new conservation demonstrations, expanding livestock enterprises and incorporating innovative technologies that support sustainable agriculture.
“We want the Discovery Farm Educational Centers to serve as a statewide model for agricultural education, research and community engagement,” Dr. White said. “By expanding partnerships with schools, community organizations and industry stakeholders, we can create even more opportunities for students and producers while developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
Dr. White said the success of the Discovery Farm Educational Centers is supported by a dedicated team that includes Dr. Ryan Nedd, Dameion White, Bernard Wooten and Isaiah Young, along with numerous student participants who contribute to educational programming, research and outreach activities throughout the year.
