History of agricultural education in Arkansas

AGED 5053 George Wardlow

Early 1800s “The teaching of agriculture in Arkansas

had its beginning in the missions, academies, and private schools of the State.” (Stimson, 1942)

Agriculture taught in Old Dwight Mission (org. 1822), in Pope County.

“for white & Indian children” Boys: agriculture. Girls: needlework & domestic science.

Legislative recognition Arkansas Constitution of

1836: -the general assembly shall

pass such laws as shall be calculated to encourage intellectual, scientific, and agricultural improvement.

The University of Arkansas

Opened January 22, 1872 “Arkansas Industrial

University” later “University of Arkansas”

For the purpose of teaching, in addition to the usual course of study prescribed in universities, the science and practice of agriculture, the mechanic arts, engineering, and military science and tactics.

The “Agriculture Wheel” Est. 1882 in Prairie County

by farmers Hub: Unity Spokes: Farmers

Became National 1887 membership was

75,000 Joined with “alliance” to

become “Farmer’s and Laborer’s Union of America”

Farmers Institutes Nationally, precursor to

Extension Not very successful in

Arkansas First tried in 1890s Little used until 1909

Hatch Act of 1887 Branch stations

est. in Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, & Texarkana.

Introduced rice in 1903. Whole rice

industry grew from this.

1900 - 1910 1900: Arkansas Teachers’ Assoc.

advocated agriculture in curriculum. 1905 & 1906: Farmers Union passed

resolutions calling for requiring teaching of agriculture in schools.

1909: AR general assembly required, “all persons teaching in the public schools of this State to teach elementary agriculture and horticulture in their schools.”

1900 – 1910 continued 1905: Farmer’s Cooperative

Demonstration Work of USDA begun with appointments of “state agent” J.A. Evans and “district agent” A.V. Swaty.

By 1909, first corn club est. for youth by R.C. Davidson.

Corn Clubs (for boys) Began in 1908 in Searcy and

Randolph County. In cooperation with schools. By 1916: 3100 corn clubs in

most counties. Cotton clubs in 1912. Pig clubs in 1915.

Canning Clubs, Sewing Clubs, Poultry Projects (for girls)

1912: First agents placed in 10 counties for 2 months each.

First club in Mabelvale, Pulaski Co.

1912: sewing projects in White Co., first agent instruction, 1913.

1913: poultry projects

District Schools 1909: Bellamy Bill Est. 4 schools to teach: agriculture,

horticulture, & textile manufacturing. Jonesboro, Russellville, Magnolia,

Monticello 3 yrs of elementary school and 4 yrs of

high school Short courses for farmers. By 1923: all offered junior college

courses

1910 - 1920 1912:

68 of 93 public schools, 1,632 students in elementary agriculture.

41 high schools, 700 students in ag. 1917: Smith-Hughes:

8 “White” depts & 3 “Negro” depts Receive federal $.

1919 (after Smith-Hughes): State levies 1/5 mill property tax to match

Smith-Hughes funds.

1910 – 1920 continued 1914: Smith-Lever accepted. Farm Demonstration Work became

part of the U of A College of Agriculture.

Name changed to “Agricultural Extension Service.”

Home Demonstration work expanded Breadmaking project added, steam

pressure cooker.

1914 - 1918 World War I

How did the events of WW I effect changes in agriculture?

How did they effect changes in agricultural education systems?

Hint: think mechanization.

Teacher training & supervision 1918: state supervisor E.B.

Matthew and N.M. Whaley.

1919: J.P. Buck resident teacher trainer at University of Arkansas.

1920: R.B. Smith itinerant State teacher trainer

Extension Supervision 1914: State system then called “Farmers’

Cooperative Demonstration Work.” State agent-in-charge State home demonstration agent State 4-H club agent 3 district men agents Several specialists 52 county agents 15 home demonstration agents

1920 - 1930 1922: Arkansas State Fair School

and Encampment Farm boys participated in week-long

camp and leadership school. Boys displayed crops, livestock, and

farm shop enterprises. 1930: State fair is discontinued

1920 – 1930 continued Agricultural youth contests

State fair shows University of Arkansas begins “high school

meet” beginning in 1926. Judging contests: Babcock tests Dairy Livestock Poultry Horticulture Meat Milk Egg

Arkansas FFA(formerly “Future Farmers of America”)

1923, Jan. 5: Bruno, AR – Lincoln Aggie Club High school students of

vocational agriculture (Smith – Hughes)

Advisor J.B. Ewart One of first (if not the first) club

for Smith – Hughes students (Stimson, 1942)

State Assoc. organized at State Fair, 1928.

1930 - 1940

Depression Era Funds were almost non-existent for any

program Little expansion of programs, but increased need

for services Adult education programs have new levels of

interest 1927-1930: FFA Camp Couchdale

1930 – 1940 Adult Education

Renewed cooperation between agencies Teachers of Vocational Agriculture and

Extension agents cooperate to offer “evening schools” for farmers Agricultural recovery Agricultural adjustment Agricultural reorganization

These later branched into separate services.

1940 - 1945 World War II

How did the events of WW II effect changes in agriculture?

How did they effect changes in agricultural education systems?

Hint: think mechanization