The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff hosted a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony April 25 in collaboration with the National Black Growers Council and Ducks Unlimited for the Pearlie S. Reed/Robert L. Cole Small Farm Outreach Wetlands and Water Management Center on the UAPB Farm in Lonoke.
The MOU consisted of a collaborative effort to make changes to improve drainage and recover run-off, and to find methods to save water on the Lonoke Farm. The memorandum also outlined the commitment to offer assistance to advance producers as it relates to wetlands and technological advancements.
Bruce McGowan, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs at UAPB, was the master of ceremony. Also featured were Julius Handcock, Lonoke Farm resident director; interim UAPB Chancellor Andrea Stewart; Dawn A. Mellion, executive director of NBGC; and Scott Manley, director of agriculture support, Rice Stewardship Partnership with Ducks Unlimited.
“This is a collaborative effort for the Lonoke Farm to advance markets for producers and modernize the infrastructure and technology on the farm,” said McGowan.
The document outlines the intended collaborative efforts for all participating parties, and includes:
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Providing staff to plan, design and implement conservation practices on the Lonoke Farm in accordance with plans developed in coordination with the parties;
Assisting in pursuing and arranging financial support for the application of conservation practices that aid in development of sustainable production while benefiting waterfowl and other wildlife;
Supporting communications efforts to promote successes of the overall project;
And using resources, influence and networking to seek support for activities associated with this project.
Manley described how this collaboration will benefit Lonoke Farm.
“There is now renewed interest in modernizing the farm and bringing its agricultural infrastructure up to 21st century standards through the application of conservation practices and technologies,” Manley said. “Modernizing the farm’s agricultural infrastructure will help maximize its value for research, education, farmer outreach and support for rural communities. Additionally, these efforts will aid best practices adoption, thereby creating more sustainable farm operations and supporting rural communities.”
During the ceremony, Manley made a special announcement that Ducks Unlimited secured a $50,000 donation to go towards advancement efforts on Lonoke Farms.
“The Rice Stewardship Partnership stands ready to make an immediate $50,000 investment in the Lonoke Farm water management infrastructure for projects such as repairing irrigation wells and perfecting distribution pipelines,” he said. “This type of investment would not be possible without financial support from sponsors such as the Walmart Foundation, the Mosaic Foundation, Nutrien Ag Solutions, RiceTec Seed, Anheuser Bush and others.”
The memorandum was signed and solidified with signatures of Stewart, Mellion and Manley for the collaboration to take effect until Sept. 30, 2029. For more information about Lonoke Farm, contact Julius Handcock at handcockj@uapb.edu.
Deseray McKinzy is an extension specialist II for communications with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.