The new $687,000 greenhouse facility in Lonoke, which we recently dedicated, stands as an excellent example of the impact private-source fund development can have on our ability to enhance our programs, better serve our clients and partner with the private sector in a win-win relationship.

Extension specialists were able to persuade various industry sources to invest a total of $136,000 toward the construction of the new Lonoke facility. The donors include Monsanto, BASF, DOW, RiceCo, Bayer, FMC, Cheminova and Arkansas Pest Control. Monsanto has seen such value in the work already being conducted in the new complex that the company has indicated an interest in future financial support.

To gain the level of private-source fund development that turned a dream into reality, agricultural specialists put together a workable plan that included a visual concept of the complex and its use.

They established a budget, sought and gained support among producers and contacted industry leaders who worked within their corporate structures as advocates for funding Extension’s Lonoke greenhouses.

Dr. Don Johnson, now retired, provided the initial leadership. With Johnson’s retirement, Drs. Bob Scott, extension weed scientist, Gus Lorenz, extension entomologist and department head, and Rick Cartwright, extension pathologist, continued the effort and saw it through to its reality.

As a result, Extension is able to conduct applied research that has immediate value to farmers, teach and involve young people about the science behind agricultural production, keep county agents on the cutting edge in working with producers and help increase the state’s agricultural economic base.

This is a success story that could not be told if we had relied entirely on traditional funding. When we look ahead, it is clear that private-source fund development offers extension its greatest opportunity to grow and adjust to the changing needs of Arkansans. Development dollars typically lack the restrictions placed on grants and so tend to offer greater flexibility in staffing, program development and delivery, and in buildings constructed for applied research or office space.

Development may include donations, such as one might make to endow a scholarship. Development may, as well, include much larger investments by individuals, companies or corporations seeking opportunities to see their dollars put to good work.

There are numerous avenues donors might take in awarding gifts, such as cash, check, annuity trusts, wills, estate planning and pledges, over time, to a capital campaign.

While we focus our efforts on our educational mission, I hope each of us will keep alert to potential opportunities. We are fortunate to have the talents and knowledge of Dr. Stephen Schafer. As we take full advantage of his skills, I know we will enjoy more building dedications and chair endowments.

– Ivory W. Lyles

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