Arkansas Tech University agricultural education students Leon Fields of Russellville and Laney Moore of Danville have earned an Arkansas Department of Agriculture scholarship in support of their continued studies.
Fields hopes to one day run a teaching farm based on regenerative agriculture practices.
“This style of farming includes a holistic approach to conservation and repairing our ecosystem,” said Fields. “One of the most vital parts of regenerative ag is educating people, and ag education offers the breadth of knowledge and skills needed for practical application.”
He said the scholarship will make it easier for him to “focus on classes and make meaningful strides” in pursuit of his education.
Moore recalls she came to understand at a young age that everyone who eats is involved in agriculture.
“It is an eye-opening quote and is what sparked my interest and involvement,” said Moore. “Agriculture is the largest, fastest growing and most inclusive industry. I love to learn and being a part of an ever-growing industry meant I was set for life. The more I learned, the more excited I became about sharing with others. Being an ag educator keeps me excited and gives me the perfect platform to advocate. I want my future students to understand and be able to deepen their personal involvement within the broad spectrum of agriculture.”
Moore considered several universities with agricultural education degrees, but she ultimately chose ATU based upon the quality of its people.
“The faculty of this department are deeply invested in the personal, academic and career success of their students,” said Moore. “I have been challenged academically and mentored throughout my time in the program.”
In addition to Fields and Moore, students from the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University and Southern Arkansas University also received Arkansas Department of Agriculture scholarships in fall 2022. In all, $20,000 in scholarships were awarded to selected students pursuing degrees in agriculture.
Funding for the scholarships comes from civil penalties collected by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture utilized a committee to determine scholarship recipients.
Visit www.atu.edu/agriculture to learn more about Arkansas Tech’s programs in agriculture.
