UAPB School of Agriculture Set to Host 66th Annual Rural Life Conference
By Isley Gooden, Scott Solomon
Mon, October 5, 2026
Agriculture may be one of Arkansas’s biggest cards, but behind the scenes, a lot of work to keep the industry growing and communities thriving happens through education, outreach, and old-fashioned neighborly teamwork. That’s the idea behind the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Agriculture’s 66th annual Rural Life Conference.
Karen Lee and Mary Hester Clifton said the conference, with deep roots dating back to Simon Alexander Haley, aims to bring people together to build sustainable communities and provide education about agriculture. This year’s event will span three days, connecting attendees with agricultural experts, authors, educators, peers, and community members.
The focus is on building people up and strengthening communities, including:
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Ignite Literacy: Pre-events focused on literacy in Jefferson County through an initiative involving various community leaders like the public library, Arts and Science Center, ARTx3, City of Pine Bluff, UAPB, and more. National authors will be present, offering books related to gardening, rural life, and agriculture for all ages.
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Arkansas Delta Literacy Institute: A new program combining creativity and learning that ties arts and literacy to science topics like soil and the sky.
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Landowners Legal Clinic: Free legal help on issues like heirs' property, secession, and power of attorney on day two.
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10-Year Anniversary Gala: Celebrating work to assist families in keeping their land, resulting in preserving over 45,000 acres and implementing practices through the Natural Resource Conservation Service to improve land health.