The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Small Farm Program recently took 25 local producers to the 82nd Professional Agricultural Workers Conference organized by Tuskegee University in Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Henry English, director for the UAPB program, said. UAPB Extension educators were also in attendance, as was Dr. Obadiah Njue, interim dean and director for the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.
During the conference, the Arkansas farmers learned about topics including climate-smart agriculture, heirs’ property, artificial intelligence, technical assistance programs for meat and poultry processing, and horticulture and plant science programs. The conference also provided an overview on the present state of Black farmers.
“It was very important that not only UAPB faculty and staff be present at this important forum,” Dr. English said. “The UAPB Small Farm Program provides Extension education and outreach services to Arkansas’ historically underserved and socially disadvantaged landowners and producers. So, it was fitting to take a group of local producers to this historical conference, which promotes equal opportunity and equitable access to information and technology for the sustainable development of communities and natural resources.”
Minnie Alexander Brown, a Chicot County producer, said attending the conference allowed her to obtain information on programs that are available for farm owners and workers who want to enhance the productivity and longevity of their farmland.
“I was able to establish contacts with others who have had similar experiences to those I am having in maintaining and enhancing my farmland,” she said. “I met people who can provide guidance in the areas I need assistance in. I left the conference feeling motivated to put plans in place to make necessary improvements on my farmland and ensure its proper succession, as well as to seek assistance through U.S. Department of Agriculture programs.”
Brenda Porter, mayor of Tollette in Howard County, and Woodson Walker, a Conway County landowner, said they both learned a lot during sessions on heirs’ property – this type of land leaves families without the clear titles that allow for active management of the land, thereby limiting any economic returns. Challenges associated with heirs’ property status are the leading cause of involuntary land loss among African American farmers.
“I attended all of the sessions on heirs’ property to gain more information for me and my community because that is one issue we are facing in our town,” Porter said.
Woodson said he was pleased with the amount of new and timely information he received that addressed his situation.
On the last day of the conference, Dr. English and Iris Cole-Crosby, UAPB Extension associate, led a memorial luncheon program in honor of Robert Aaron Fitz, who passed away in May 2024. Fitz served as associate professor in the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences for over 40 years. He was deeply involved in mentoring students and supporting their academic journeys so they could go on to become successful educators, Dr. English said.
