Division of Agriculture awarded grant funding for beef education and promotion
May 29, 2026
By Ryan McGeeney
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Arkansas Beef Council approves funding for five UADA projects
- Projects support outreach and beef industry education efforts
(521 words)
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LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Beef Council has awarded $29,500 in grant funding to University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture researchers and educators for five projects, including the Beef Quality Assurance Program, a youth quiz bowl and more.
The Arkansas Beef Council approved $132,000 in funding for 13 proposed projects, including five from the Division of Agriculture. The application window for the funding was open from April 1-30 of this year.
Janeal Yancey, extension animal science instructor for the Division of Agriculture, will serve as primary investigator for three of the five approved projects.
Michael Looper, head of the animal science department for the Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, said the projects will support the Division of Agriculture’s continued outreach and education efforts across Arkansas.
“The Arkansas Beef Council’s support allows us to expand hands-on education and outreach that connects producers, students and consumers with the science and practices that sustain a high-quality beef industry in Arkansas,” Looper said. “We thank the Council and the Arkansas beef producers.”
The five approved projects include:
Beef Quality Assurance Program
Primary investigator: Kirsten Midkiff, extension animal health and wellbeing specialist
for the Division of Agriculture
Funding Amount: $8,000
Summary: “This project will provide Beef Quality Assurance training to Arkansas producers to support consistent, high‑quality beef production through responsible cattle management. It will strengthen producer knowledge on animal handling, herd health and environmental stewardship as the industry adopts significant new standards.”
Beef Short Course
Primary investigator: Janeal Yancey, extension animal science instructor for the Division
of Agriculture
Funding Amount: $10,000
Summary: “This project will educate participants on the full journey of beef from harvest to consumer, with a focus on beef cuts and the processes that ensure high‑quality products. It will help develop informed beef advocates who can build consumer confidence and counter misinformation about the beef industry.”
Educating Youth on Beef Promotion Using a Quiz Bowl
Primary investigator: Allison Harman, 4-H youth livestock instructor for the Division
of Agriculture
Funding Amount: $4,000
Summary: “This project will engage Arkansas high school students in the Beef Quiz Bowl to build their knowledge of the beef industry through competitive learning. It will help youth strengthen communication skills, gain confidence and share accurate beef‑industry information.”
Meat Education
Primary investigator: Janeal Yancey
Funding Amount: $2,500
Summary: “This project will provide clear, science‑based resources to help consumers and young people navigate conflicting information about the beef industry. It will build trust by offering accessible, reliable education on how beef is raised, its safety, and its role in the food system.”
Undergraduate Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team
Primary investigator: Janeal Yancey
Funding Amount: $5,000
Summary: “This project will support student participation in the American Meat Science Association Undergraduate Quiz Bowl and the 2027 Reciprocal Meats Conference, providing exposure to scientific meetings, industry networking and hands‑on meat industry tours.”
The Arkansas Beef Council’s activities are funded by “a $1-per-head assessment on all cattle sold in the state, with 50 cents remitted to the federal Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the remainder retained by the state,” according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
Ryan McGeeney
rmcgeeney@uada.edu
501-671-2120