About
"Agriculture ... is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute
most to real wealth, good morals & happiness." - Thomas Jefferson
The Southwest Arkansas Agri Academy is an innovative, week-long youth leadership program focused on expanding the knowledge of area youth regarding the impact agriculture has on the economy of southwest Arkansas.
1 in 6 jobs in Arkansas are in the agriculture sector making it imperative that today’s youth are aware of the career options available to them not only in their home state, but across the entire agriculture and natural resources spectrum.
We are no longer in the days where agriculture involvement is defined by the number of acres or the number of head you tend to; instead, we are in the midst an expansive, revolutionary age of the food system that requires a skilled workforce to address needs from the producer all the way to the consumer.
The Southwest Arkansas Agri Academy is designed to raise awareness of possible agricultural careers in youth grades 8-12 through personal interactions with the agricultural employees of today. The experience of all Academy students will be complemented with the development and practice of dynamic personal leadership skills throughout the week.
We believe Academy graduates will finish the week with a stronger understanding of their personal leadership style, an increased awareness of the needs of their community and local economy, and insight into the various agricultural careers that are not only available but are also interesting to them.