Bringing the science to you: TransformAR mobile lab to help Arkansas farmers, ranchers
Nov. 3, 2026
By Sarah Cato
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- TransformAR pairs agriculture education with technical assistance.
- Objective is to promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen local food systems.
- Program features a mobile lab, webinars and workshops
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Download TransformAR logo, photos of the mobile lab
LITTLE ROCK — A new program from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is providing education and on-site technical assistance to help Arkansas farmers and ranchers be sustainable and profitable.
TransformAR is a statewide initiative led by Dan Quadros, small ruminant extension specialist for the Division of Agriculture and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“Our objective is to promote best management practices for sustainable agriculture and strengthen local food systems,” Quadros said. “Our focus is on innovation and improving the ability of farmers and ranchers, especially small-scale producers, homesteaders and military veterans, to start and maintain successful agricultural operations”
By pairing webinars, workshops, field days and farm demonstrations with direct, face-to-face farm visits, TransformAR combines broad educational components with one-on-one technical assistance. To support on-farm visits and educational events, the program uses a mobile lab to provide rapid analyses and assist with recommendations.
“Our mobile lab capabilities cover multiple areas of agriculture such as crop production, animal husbandry, food science and more,” Quadros said. “It uses sophisticated, portable or handheld equipment that can perform numerous on-site analyses.”
From microscopes to pH meters, the lab is equipped with more than 40 instruments available to help producers and extension specialists find solutions or collect samples to send to brick-and-mortar labs within the Division of Agriculture.
“Our mobile lab is a great tool for extension specialists and county extension agents to help rural communities overcome major issues in Arkansas,” Quadros said. “The recommendations we make will empower farmers to make educated, research-backed decisions on their operation.”
In addition to education events and farm visits, Quadros and his team have taken the mobile lab on the road to several events, including fairs, expos, and festivals, such as the Arkansas State Fair. Those interested can see the mobile lab capabilities, request a visit, or find upcoming events online.
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 UADA
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, UADA conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
UADA is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three university 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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