What the Division of Agriculture Extension Service Does
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Per the Extension "About" page, it turns university research into practical advice for farmers, families, communities and businesses, under the slogan "Arkansas is Our Campus." If you have a sick tomato, a thin pasture, a question about a loan or a child who needs a club, Extension is built to be your first call.
A Local Office in Every County
Extension has a physical office in each of Arkansas's 75 counties. Specialists and support staff are also based at university campuses, research and extension centers and research stations around the state. Find your county office on the Counties page. The county office is where you meet the county agent, the person who knows local soils, local weeds and local fair rules.
The Four Program Areas
- 4-H and Youth Development: life skills, character building and hands-on learning in science, math and social skills.
- Agriculture and Natural Resources: help for farmers and ranchers on crop pests, soil testing, livestock, marketing and resource management, plus guidance for homeowners on lawns, water quality, timber, composting and recycling.
- Community, Professional and Economic Development: help for communities and regions to grow their economies, public issue education, and training for entrepreneurs and businesses.
- Family and Consumer Sciences: education on nutrition, food preparation, food safety, child care, family communication, financial management and health.
Joining Arkansas 4-H
Per the Division's 2026 enrollment article, new members can join Arkansas 4-H at any time, and there is no cost to enroll. Returning members re-enroll from September 1 through December 31.
How to get started
- Contact your county 4-H agent through the county office.
- The agent will help match your child to a local club. The article says the child's age and interests are factors in placing youth in clubs, and it does not publish a fixed age range.
- Learn more at 4h.uada.edu.
Livestock Projects and Fair Connections
Many 4-H and FFA families meet Extension first through a livestock project. The county agent certifies 4-H membership for junior shows. The Arkansas State Fair junior livestock show requires exhibitors to be Arkansas 4-H or FFA members in good standing, and membership is certified by the county agent or the agricultural education advisor, per the 2024 State Fair general handbook. The same agents and ag teachers are among the people allowed to collect the DNA validation samples the State Fair requires for market animals, per the 2025 validation information.
State law also puts Extension on fair boards. Under the Department of Agriculture's fair funding guidance, each county fair board must include the county extension agent as a non-voting, ex officio member.
Help for Producers and Gardeners
Extension supports farmers and ranchers on crop pests, soil testing, livestock, marketing and resource management. Homeowners get guidance on lawns, water quality, timber, composting and recycling. Before you call, gather what the agent will ask for: your county, what you are growing or raising, what you have seen, and when it started. For plant problems, ask the office how they want a sample delivered before you bring one in.
Family and Community Help
Family and Consumer Sciences covers nutrition, food safety, child care, financial management and health. Community and economic development staff work with towns, regions and small businesses, including training and technical assistance for entrepreneurs. These programs run through the same county offices.
Contacting the State Office
- Address: 2301 S. University Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72204
- Phone: 501-671-2000
- Toll-free: 888-884-5565
- Arkansas Relay: dial 711
- Communications and Marketing: 501-671-2117
- Contact form: uaex.uada.edu/contact-us
For local questions, start with the county office instead, since the agent there will know the specifics for your county.
Tips for Your First Visit or Call
- Bring or describe the problem clearly: photos, dates and what you have already tried.
- Ask the 4-H agent about club meeting dates, projects and the fair calendar.
- If your question is outside the agent's area, ask who the right specialist is. Extension specialists work across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many county offices does Arkansas Extension have?
One in each of the state's 75 counties.
Does it cost money to join 4-H?
No. Per the Division of Agriculture, there is no cost to enroll, and new members can join at any time.
When do returning 4-H members re-enroll?
September 1 through December 31.
How do I find my county agent?
Use the Counties page at uaex.uada.edu/counties, or call the state office at 501-671-2000.
What is the difference between Extension and the Division of Agriculture?
Extension is the outreach arm. It is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, which turns university research into practical help for the public.
Arkansas Listings Covered by This Guide
- Arkansas 4-H State Horse Judging Contest
Annual state horse judging contest for 4-H members at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center Arena in Fayetteville; the most recent date was April 2, 2026.
- Arkansas 4-H WHEP State Contest
State Wildlife Habitat Education Program contest for 4-H teams on the UAM campus in Monticello; the most recent date was April 24, 2026.
- Southwest 4-H Qualifying Horse Show
Qualifying horse show held in Sheridan for 4-H riders heading toward the state show; the most recent date was May 28, 2026, at WA Arena.
Sheridan, AR | Organizer: Arkansas 4-H Official event details - Northwest 4-H Qualifying Horse Show
Northwest Arkansas qualifying horse show for 4-H members, run at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center Arena; the most recent date was May 30, 2026.
Fayetteville, AR | Organizer: Arkansas 4-H Official event details - Central 4-H Qualifying Horse Show
Central region qualifying horse show for Arkansas 4-H riders at the White County Fairgrounds in Searcy; the most recent date was June 5, 2026.
Searcy, AR | Organizer: Arkansas 4-H Official event details - Ouachita District 4-H O-Rama
District qualifying round of 4-H O-Rama for the Ouachita District, held at Malvern High School; the most recent date was June 9, 2026. Entry was $20 per competing member.
Malvern, AR | Organizer: Arkansas 4-H Official event details - Ozark District 4-H O-Rama
District qualifying round of 4-H O-Rama for the Ozark District on the University of the Ozarks campus in Clarksville; the most recent date was June 10, 2026.
Clarksville, AR | Organizer: Arkansas 4-H Official event details - Delta District 4-H O-Rama
Delta District 4-H O-Rama qualifier at Eastern Arkansas Community College in Forrest City; held each year, with the most recent date being June 11, 2026.
- Arkansas 4-H State Horse Show
Held each year at the White County Fairgrounds in Searcy; the most recent dates were June 29 to July 1, 2026, testing 4-H members on riding, racing skills and horse knowledge.
- Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 20-23, 2026. About 40 competitive events run at county, district and state level, with state-only contests such as archery, tractor driving and welding.
- Rice Field Day at the Rice Research and Extension Center
Annual rice field day co-sponsored with the USDA Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center; the most recent date was August 6, 2026, on Highway 130 East in Stuttgart.
- Arkansas 4-H Program
Statewide youth development program run through the Division of Agriculture; runs O-Rama, livestock judging, horse shows, stockmanship and other state contests.
AR - Arkansas County Extension Office (DeWitt)
Cooperative Extension office in DeWitt for Arkansas County, open Monday to Friday. Offers 4-H projects and vet science, Master Gardener, water conservation and horticulture programs plus Extension Homemakers.
1009 Liberty Drive, DeWitt, AR 72042 | (870) 659-2058 Website - Arkansas County Extension Office (Stuttgart)
Second Arkansas County Extension location, in Stuttgart, serving rice-country growers and families with agriculture, 4-H youth projects and family and consumer sciences help on weekdays.
2900 Highway 130 East, Stuttgart, AR 72160 | (870) 673-2661 Website - Ashley County Extension Office
Hamburg office covering row crops, commercial horticulture, livestock and forages, pesticide applicator training, Master Gardener and 4-H STEM, camps and project enrollment for Ashley County.
205 E. Jefferson, Box 15, Hamburg, AR 71646 | (870) 853-2080 Website - Baxter County Extension Office
Mountain Home Extension office offering 4-H youth development, soil testing, weed identification, produce safety and monthly beef and forage tips, plus the Ozark Pastures blog on pasture management.
3 East 9th St., Mountain Home, AR 72653 | (870) 425-2335 Website - Boone County Extension Office
Harrison Extension office providing soil testing, weed identification, animal and forage resources, 4-H livestock programs, water conservation and community development support to Boone County.
1800 Extension Lane, Harrison, AR 72601 | (870) 741-6168 Website - Bradley County Extension Office
Warren Extension office for Bradley County with 4-H youth development, soil testing, insecticide advice, produce safety, animals and forages, and food preservation classes.
201 North Bragg Street, Warren, AR 71671 | (870) 226-8410 Website - C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center
Little Rock 4-H center where the statewide Veterinary Science Camp is held each June.
Little Rock, AR - Calhoun County Extension Office
Hampton Extension office serving Calhoun County farmers and families with soil testing, weed identification, animal and forage guidance, 4-H projects and nutrition education.
First & Hunt, Box 38, Hampton, AR 71744 | (870) 798-2231 Website - Carroll County Extension Office
Berryville Extension office with pesticide training, water conservation, Master Gardener, ServSafe and Best Care training, event registration for 4-H, and vet science projects.
909-B Freeman Switch Road, Berryville, AR 72616 | (870) 423-2958 Website - Chicot County Extension Office
Lake Village Extension office in Delta Arkansas offering 4-H youth development, soil testing, produce safety, animals and forages, and community and economic development help.
523 Hwy 65 & 82 S., Lake Village, AR 71653 | (870) 265-8055 Website - Clay County Extension Office (Corning)
Corning Extension office for Clay County, open weekdays, with crop and pest management guidance, Extension Homemakers, food preservation classes, SNAP nutrition education and 4-H clubs.
716 SW 2nd St., Corning, AR 72422 | (870) 857-6875 Website - Clay County Extension Office (Piggott)
Piggott Extension office for Clay County, one of two, with integrated pest management, row crops, commercial horticulture, animals and forages, water conservation and 4-H leadership projects.
148 E. Main, Piggott, AR 72454 | (870) 598-2246 Website - Cleburne County Extension Office
Heber Springs Extension office supporting cattle and hay producers with soil testing, weed identification, livestock and forage advice, plus 4-H youth projects and family finance classes.
2319 Hwy 110 West, Suite D, Heber Springs, AR 72543 | (501) 362-2524 Website - Cleveland County Extension Office
Rison Extension office with 4-H clubs, pasture management, community and student gardens, soil testing, produce safety and Walk Across Arkansas fitness programs.
501 E. Magnolia, P.O. Box 386, Rison, AR 71665 | (870) 325-6321 Website - Columbia County Extension Office
Magnolia Extension office offering water conservation, horticulture, Master Gardener, SNAP-Ed, and 4-H STEM, animal science and workshop programs for Columbia County youth.
206 West Calhoun Street, Magnolia, AR 71753 | (870) 235-3720 Website - Conway County Extension Office
Morrilton Extension office on the UACCM campus with Master Gardener training, water conservation, 4-H animal science and STEM workshops, and Extension Homemakers.
UACCM, 1537 University Boulevard, Morrilton, AR 72110 | (501) 977-2146 Website - Craighead County Extension Office
Jonesboro Extension office with soil and plant disease testing, row crop and horticulture help, Master Gardeners, and 4-H programs in livestock, agriculture, ATV safety and leadership.
611 E. Washington Ave., Suite A, Jonesboro, AR 72401 | (870) 933-4565 Website - Crittenden County Extension Office
Marion Extension office for Crittenden County covering 4-H youth development, soil testing, insecticide recommendations, weed identification, animals and forages, and nutrition.
116 Center St., Marion, AR 72364 | (870) 739-3239 Website - Cross County Extension Office
Wynne Extension office providing agriculture advice, soil testing, weed identification, 4-H youth development, money management and community development support for Cross County.
705 E Union Avenue, Room 2, Wynne, AR 72396 | (870) 238-5745 Website - Dallas County Extension Office
Fordyce Extension office with soil testing, insecticide recommendations, weed identification, animals and forages, 4-H youth programs and produce safety help.
203 N. Clifton Street, Fordyce, AR 71742 | (870) 352-3505 Website - Desha County Extension Office
McGehee Extension office serving Desha County with agriculture help on soil testing and forages, 4-H youth projects, nutrition and food preservation, and community development.
310 Oak Street, McGehee, AR 71654 | (870) 222-3972 Website - Drew County Extension Office
Monticello Extension office covering row crops, hay and forages, beef cattle, horticulture, Master Gardener, pesticide applicator training and 4-H veterinary science.
210 S. Main, Room H, Monticello, AR 71655 | 870-460-6270 Website - Faulkner County 4-H Clubs
Faulkner County 4-H runs community clubs in Conway, Vilonia, Guy, Saltillo and Mayflower, plus project clubs for archery, BB and rifle, dog training, horses and livestock show teams.
844 Faulkner Street, Conway, AR 72034 | (501) 329-8344 Website - Faulkner County Extension Office
Conway Extension office that also hosts 4-H Cloverbud and Teen Leader meetings and coordinates community, shooting sports, horse and livestock 4-H clubs for Faulkner County youth.
844 Faulkner Street, Conway, AR 72034 | (501) 329-8344 Website - Franklin County Extension Office
Ozark Extension office open weekdays, offering 4-H youth development, soil testing, weed identification, produce safety, animals and forages guidance and the Grown Up U podcast.
300B Airport Road, Ozark, AR 72949 | (479) 667-3720 Website - Fulton County Extension Office
Salem Extension office with pasture and hay management, beef and small ruminant help, Master Gardener, financial literacy and 4-H livestock and agriculture projects.
118 West Locust, Suite 107, P.O. Box 308, Salem, AR 72576 | (870) 895-3301 Website - Garland County Extension Office
Hot Springs Extension office offering 4-H youth development, soil testing, weed identification, produce safety, animals and forages guidance and nutrition education to Garland County.
210 Woodbine, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | (501) 623-6841 Website - Grant County 4-H
Youth 4-H program for Grant County run through the Sheridan extension office, with news and club activity posted on its own Facebook page.
Sheridan, AR Website
Plus 35 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Arkansas directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.