Arkansas Youth Leadership Summit student participants
Southern Arkansas University welcomed 20 rising high school juniors and seniors, along with their parents, to campus this past summer for the Arkansas Youth Leadership Summit (AYLS), sponsored by Arkansas Farm Bureau.
The multi-day summit gave students an immersive experience in leadership development, agriculture, career exploration and teamwork, while highlighting the role young people can play in strengthening Arkansas communities. Participants stayed on the SAU campus in Eichenberger Hall and took part in activities both at the university and throughout the surrounding region.
Jamie Daniels, 777 Farms, sharing with AYLS participants
“The Arkansas Youth Leadership Summit reflects Arkansas Farm Bureau’s longstanding commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural and rural leaders,” said Dr. Copie Moore, chair of Agriculture at SAU. “Through programs such as AYLS, Farm Bureau helps students build leadership skills, explore careers in agriculture, and better understand the vital role agriculture plays in Arkansas communities and the state’s economy.”
Programming throughout the summit emphasized agriculture, agricultural careers, leadership development and experiential learning. Donette Spann, director of Ag in the Classroom for Arkansas Farm Bureau, said, “The summit offers students a unique opportunity to experience college life, expand their networks, and gain insights that will help shape the future of agriculture.”
Students took part in hands-on activities and demonstrations, including bull selection; ruminant digestion with SAU’s cannulated steer, Owen; and chicken dissection, while learning about agricultural career opportunities through SAU’s Department of Agriculture. Off-campus experiences included tours of a crawfish farm, 777 Farms, and JACO Meats, giving participants firsthand exposure to agricultural production, livestock operations and meat processing.
Leadership development was woven throughout the summit, including a leadership workshop facilitated by Mrs. Dawsyn Cole, executive secretary for Arkansas FFA, team competitions, and the AYLS Discussion Meet. Recreational and team-building activities, including Mulerider Mania trivia, bowling, laser tag, pool tournament and other group activities, gave campers additional opportunities to build relationships and strengthen teamwork skills. The summit culminated with an awards luncheon at the SAU Alumni Center, where participants were recognized for their involvement and accomplishments during the program.
AYLS participants learning about crawfish farming
Throughout the summit, students interacted with representatives from Arkansas Farm Bureau, SAU faculty and staff, agricultural professionals, community leaders and program counselors. Activities were designed not only to introduce participants to agricultural industries and career pathways, but also to develop communication, leadership, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
By hosting the Arkansas Youth Leadership Summit, SAU continues its commitment to engaging young people from across the state, connecting them with educational and career opportunities and helping prepare the next generation of leaders to serve Arkansas’ communities and industries. “SAU is proud to partner with Arkansas Farm Bureau in providing these meaningful experiences for young people across the state,” said Dr. Abdel Bachri, dean of the College of Science and Engineering.
AYLS participants presenting during the summit
The 2026 Arkansas Youth Leadership Summit was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Arkansas Farm Bureau, Southern Arkansas University, agricultural and community partners, program counselors and sponsors who provided meals, activities, transportation and educational experiences for the participating students. “Arkansas Farm Bureau is proud to partner with Southern Arkansas University, whose dedication to education and student success makes it an outstanding host for this annual event,” said Spann.
About SAU:
Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees across four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to meet the needs of today’s career and professional trends. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
Photos courtesy of Arkansas Farm Bureau.
