About the Program
LeadAR is a program designed to help Arkansans broaden their understanding of issues and opportunities facing our state and strengthen their ability to make a difference. To address the gaps between rural and urban communities and the state, LeadAR recruits talented and passionate people eager to usher in positive change. Designed to broaden Arkansans' understanding of critical issues and opportunities facing our state, LeadAR strengthens participants’ knowledge, skills. network and empowers them to positively impact communities and advocate for long-term economic development. Founded in 1984, LeadAR was originally modeled after the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s leadership training program. Now more than three decades later, LeadAR has over 500 alumni serving as leaders in businesses and communities throughout Arkansas, especially in rural and agricultural areas. Past participants include educators, farmers, advocates, bankers, state legislators, lawyers, mayors, quorum court, city council, school board members and more.
LeadAR Class 20
MEET THE STAFF
Julie Robinson
Director of LeadAR
Lisa Davis
Program Associate
Click below to learn more about our Program!
Arkansas Agriculture Facts
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Arkansas Agriculture Facts *
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is the largest producer of rice in the United States?
Capital: Little Rock
Population: 2,889,450
Founded: June 15, 1836 (27th)
State Bird: Mockingbird
State Tree: Pine Tree
State Flower: Apple blossom
Number of Counties: 75
Largest City: Little Rock - 191,930
Nickname: The Natural State
Number of Farms: 49,300
Average Farm Size: 281 acres
Total Farmland: 13.8 million acres
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Here are the top 10 commodities that rank in the top 10 in the US:
#1 in Rice
#2 in Boilers
#3 in Cotton
#3 in Cottonseed
#4 in Turkeys
#8 in Grain Sorghum
#8 in Eggs
#10 in Soyboans
#10 in Pecans
Rice, soybeans and wheat are the important crops from the area
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Arkansas is the only state with a diamond field opened to the public
Diamonds are the state gem
Records show rice production began in 1902 but some parts show production before the Civil War
The 3 native tribes that lived in the region are Caddo, Osage and Quapaw
Arkansas is the smallest state west of the Mississippi River along with Louisiana and Hawii
Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas being 2,753 feet.
Half of the state is covered by forest
Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas
Alma, Arkansas is the spinach capital in the US. More than half the spinach is produced here.
Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas.
John Grisham was born in Jonesboro.
Arkansas was part of the Louisiana purchase
