About the Program

LeadAR is a program designed to help Arkansans broaden their understanding of issues and opportunities facing our state and strengthen their ability to make a difference. To address the gaps between rural and urban communities and the state, LeadAR recruits talented and passionate people eager to usher in positive change. Designed to broaden Arkansans' understanding of critical issues and opportunities facing our state, LeadAR strengthens participants’ knowledge, skills. network and empowers them to positively impact communities and advocate for long-term economic development. Founded in 1984, LeadAR was originally modeled after the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s leadership training program. Now more than three decades later, LeadAR has over 500 alumni serving as leaders in businesses and communities throughout Arkansas, especially in rural and agricultural areas. Past participants include educators, farmers, advocates, bankers, state legislators, lawyers, mayors, quorum court, city council, school board members and more.

Click below to Learn more about the Program:

MEET THE STAFF

Julie Robinson

Director of LeadAR

jrobinson@uada.edu

Lisa Davis

Program Associate

ldavis@uada.edu

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Arkansas Agriculture Facts

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Arkansas Agriculture Facts *

  • is the largest producer of rice in the United States?

    Capital: Little Rock

    Population: 2,889,450

    Founded: June 15, 1836 (27th)

    State Bird: Mockingbird

    State Tree: Pine Tree

    State Flower: Apple blossom

    Number of Counties: 75

    Largest City: Little Rock - 191,930

    Nickname: The Natural State

    Number of Farms: 49,300

    Average Farm Size: 281 acres

    Total Farmland: 13.8 million acres

  • Here are the top 10 commodities that rank in the top 10 in the US:

    #1 in Rice

    #2 in Boilers

    #3 in Cotton

    #3 in Cottonseed

    #4 in Turkeys

    #8 in Grain Sorghum

    #8 in Eggs

    #10 in Soyboans

    #10 in Pecans

    Rice, soybeans and wheat are the important crops from the area

    • Arkansas is the only state with a diamond field opened to the public

    • Diamonds are the state gem

    • Records show rice production began in 1902 but some parts show production before the Civil War

    • The 3 native tribes that lived in the region are Caddo, Osage and Quapaw

    • Arkansas is the smallest state west of the Mississippi River along with Louisiana and Hawai’i

    • Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas being 2,753 feet.

    • Half of the state is covered by forest

    • Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas

    • Alma, Arkansas is the spinach capital in the US. More than half the spinach is produced here.

    • Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas.

    • John Grisham was born in Jonesboro.

    • Arkansas was part of the Louisiana purchase

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