Celebrating National Farmer’s Day with UACCB agriculture student Isabella Newkirk

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National Farmer’s Day is October 12 — a time to recognize the dedication of farmers across our region and celebrate the next generation preparing to enter the agriculture industry.

Isabella Newkirk, a second-year student in the agriculture program at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB), discovered her love for animal science while growing up on her mother’s horse farm in Indiana. That interest deepened when she moved to Arkansas and learned self-sustaining practices from her grandfather, an avid gardener.

Newkirk enrolled at UACCB to expand her knowledge of animal science but soon discovered a new passion in her plant science classes: hydroponics.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution rather than soil. The technique promotes faster growth, higher yields, and greater water efficiency—all in a controlled, year-round environment. Newkirk and her classmates have experimented with a small-scale hydroponic system on campus and are eager to see the program expand.

“With this new program, we’re getting a whole container specifically for hydroponics,” Newkirk said. “It’s so exciting because we’ll have new sensors and the chance to really dive deeper into what we’re learning. It’s an opportunity we didn’t have before.”

UACCB’s Farm and Ranch Management (FARM) program will provide specialized training in regenerative and precision agriculture, incorporating the latest technology and hands-on experience. Instruction is planned to be roughly 80% in the field and 20% in the classroom.

Students in UACCB’s agriculture program can pursue associate degree pathways in Agriculture Business and Agriculture Technology. The Associate of Applied Science in Farm and Ranch Management (FARM) is accepting students now with the first classes beginning in August of 2026. Designed for both new and established farmers, The FARM will also offer short-term credentials, certifications, and workshops focused on new technologies and income diversification — fully funded through the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Grant.

Applications are now open to enroll in UACCB’s agriculture programs. Prospective participants may contact Tina Goodman at 870-612-2042 or tina.goodman@uaccb.edu to arrange tours.

Newkirk summarized her experience at UACCB by sharing what makes the college feel like home: “You’re treated as a person, not a number. The atmosphere here makes you feel welcome and comfortable talking to anyone on campus — faculty, staff, or students. Compared to other colleges I’ve visited, UACCB has an unmatched energy.”

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