The 65th Annual Rural Life Conference is scheduled to showcase notable speakers at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s (UAPB) Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Complex, located at 1204 L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive on Friday, March 15.
Jason Brown – Proprietor of First Fruits Farms
Jason Brown is slated to present the S.A. Haley Memorial Lecture. Following his graduation from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill on an athletic scholarship, he joined the Baltimore Ravens after being drafted in 2005.
Transitioning to a free agent in 2009, Brown inked a five-year deal with the St. Louis Rams. After a three-year tenure, he was released from his contract in March 2012. Opting to depart from the NFL despite enticing offers from the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and the San Francisco 49ers, Brown embarked on a new journey.
Post his NFL career, Jason returned to North Carolina and acquired a 1,000-acre farm in Louisburg. First Fruits Farms has not only hosted numerous community events but has also collaborated with various faith and service organizations. The farm has successfully yielded over 1 million pounds of produce, which was then distributed to food pantries and churches across the Research Triangle Region.
Louis E. James – CEO of MCL JASCO
Louis E. James is set to deliver the luncheon address. As the CEO of MCL JASCO, Inc., a company specializing in supply chain management and logistics, James has expanded its services beyond the automotive sector. The enterprise, now comprising five sister companies, is a 100% minority- and disabled veteran-owned integrated entity, catering to the automotive, energy, and government sectors.
Collaborating extensively with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, James leverages his extensive experience and expert project teams to address the agricultural needs of historically disadvantaged and underserved communities. His focus extends to local municipalities, farmers, and private landowners, offering a range of services in compliance, construction, engineering, technical assistance, and outreach. MCL JASCO, Inc. stands out as a government-contracted leader in conservation and restoration activities, dedicated to educating, conserving, enhancing, and restoring natural habitats across the U.S.
Dr. Homer Wilkes – Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment
Dr. Homer Wilkes will shed light on the significance of agriculture in his address. Hailing from Port Gibson, Mississippi, he currently holds the position of under secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources and Environment, overseeing the operations of the U.S. Forest Service.
With a tenure spanning over 41 years at the USDA, Dr. Wilkes has held various roles, including director for the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Restoration Team, acting associate chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Washington, D.C., and other key positions. Noteworthy is his pivotal role in overseeing the restoration of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem post the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.
P.J. Haynie – Owner of Haynie Farms, LLC
During the conference luncheon, P.J. Haynie will deliver a dedication speech. A graduate of Virginia Tech, he chose to pursue his family’s farming legacy, becoming a fifth-generation farmer. Haynie is the proud owner of Haynie Farms, LLC, a grain farming business producing rice, corn, wheat, soybeans, and canola across all four counties of the northern neck of Virginia. Additionally, he co-owns Arkansas River Rice, the sole Black-owned rice mill in the U.S. and serves as the chairman of the National Black Grower’s Council.
Featured in the documentary “Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land,” produced by Al Roker, Haynie advocates tirelessly for increased awareness regarding diversity in the agricultural industry. The film screening is scheduled a day before the conference, on Thursday, March 14, at 4:45 p.m. in the S.J. Parker 1890 Extension Complex auditorium situated at 2300 L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive.
Conference Overview
Hosted by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Human Sciences, the Rural Life Conference will offer a range of workshops, a poster session showcasing research projects, and exhibits by governmental and community agencies. This year’s theme, “Legacy Opportunities for Community Service and Outreach – Connecting, Collaboration, and Commitment,” underscores the conference’s focus.
Commencing with registration at 7:30 a.m. and the opening session at 8:30 a.m., the program is slated to conclude at 4 p.m. Attendees can look forward to complimentary breakfast and lunch, along with exciting door prizes.
For those unable to attend in person, virtual participation in select activities is available. The workshop sessions will be accessible through the Zoom video-conferencing platform.
The conference extends complimentary entry to producers, students, veterans, homemakers, and retirees. Professionals and agency personnel can obtain registration rates by contacting Karen Lee at (870) 575-7225 or [ppp1]. For secure credit card transactions, professionals and agency personnel are encouraged to reach out to the UAPB Cashier’s Office at (870) 575-8279.
Early registration is strongly advised to facilitate accurate meal counts. To preregister, contact Tamera Ford at (870) 575-8806 or [ppp2]. The registration form is also available online. Kindly email [ppp3] to receive the registration link directly. Alternatively, you can access the registration link here.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ensures the provision of all Extension and Research programs and services without discrimination based on race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. It upholds an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer policy.