Behind The Scenes At "The Farm": Discover The Heart Of AG Research
Tours & Day Trips | Registration opens Tuesday, August 19, 2025 10:00 AM
Ever wondered what really goes on at “The Farm” just north of the U of A campus? This is your chance to find out! Join us for an insider’s tour of the 725-acre Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center— home to cutting-edge research that’s shaping the future of agriculture. Often called the heart of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, the center is a living laboratory where over 250 scientists and staff work on everything from soil and water conservation to animal science, crop production, food safety, and agri-tech innovation.
You’ll hear from Vaughn Skinner, resident director and farm manager, and other experts as they guide you through labs and outdoor research plots.
Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, curious about farming technology, or just want to learn something new, this tour offers a unique and engaging look at agriculture in action. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather!
Activity Level: 2
This program will meet in person at The Farm located at 2650 Young Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72704. Please read your class reminder email for the exact room location.
Class changes occasionally happen, please watch for (and read) announcements or emails from OLLI regarding your class.
Click on the link below for a Google map shot of our location:
The Farm
Vaughn Skinner
Vaughn Skinner grew up on a 2000-acre rice, soybean, wheat, and cattle family farm north of Carlisle in central Arkansas. He spent two years at ASU Beebe, then went on to receive a B.S. (1982) and M.S. (1986) in Agronomy and a Ph.D. (2010) in Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science at the University of Arkansas. Vaughn spent seven years at the U of A Rice Research and Extension Center as a research specialist. He has been the farm manager for the U of A Crop, Soil, and Environmental Department since December 1990 and the Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SAREC) resident director in Fayetteville since 1998.