Batesville, AR – The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) has secured a 207-acre lease to support its new Farm and Ranch Management (FARM) program, announced on August 4, 2025. The land, provided at no cost by the Barnett, Grace, Hathcock, and Ketz families, will serve as the foundation for the program’s livestock management curriculum. As of 11:11 AM CDT, Sunday, August 10, 2025, this development marks a significant expansion of agricultural education in the region.
The leased property, located near Batesville, includes a historic farmhouse constructed around 1840 and relocated in 1943, adding a layer of historical significance. UACCB will maintain the site, ensuring its preservation while offering hands-on learning opportunities for students. The FARM program is bolstered by a $5 million HIRED grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Workforce Connections, awarded in November 2024 through Workforce Connections. This funding supports precision agriculture initiatives, with a portion allocated to renovate the Gateway Center at 2210 E. Main Street, a 100,000-square-foot building on 55 acres. The Gateway Center will house offices, classrooms, and labs for the crop management component, with construction expected to conclude by late 2025.
Community education classes for the FARM program are set to begin in spring 2026, followed by the launch of an associate degree program in August 2026. The initiative enhances UACCB’s role as a growing institution serving Independence and Cleburne counties, with shared oversight of Stone and Sharp counties. For additional details, contact farm@uaccb.edu.
