For many young people, the journey from farm to table is a mystery. Thanks to dedicated efforts of the KKAC Organization and its "Sowing Seeds" program, a new generation of Arkansas youth are gaining invaluable, firsthand insight into the world of agriculture. The initiative is not only demystifying food production but highlighting the diverse career paths within agriculture.
The KKAC Organization, a non-profit operating across six Arkansas counties, is committed to providing education about farming and land use. Their Sowing Seeds Youth Program is a cornerstone of this mission, providing learning opportunities that spark curiosity and develop future agricultural leaders.
Most recently, 30 students from the KKAC Program visited the operations of Farm Credit Mid-America customers Terris and Kim Matthews on June 3, 2025. This hands on event provided a comprehensive look at sweet potato production. Students observed the vegetable in various stages of growth directly in the field, then transitioned to the operation's warehouse to witness the post-harvest processing – a crucial step in bringing produce to market. The day also included a shared lunch and discussions with agricultural professionals.
These experiences are part of an ongoing partnership between KKAC and Farm Credit Mid-America; a collaboration designed to expose underrepresented youth to agricultural careers through immersive experiences. The Hobbs brothers prioritize continuing their father’s legacy of supporting farmers and treating everyone with respect; and for many years, they’ve done so in partnership with Farm Credit Mid-America. “Working with the cooperative is simple,” Dewayne said. “They are just a good, good group of people and we’ve been able to depend on them through the good times and the bad.”
Farm Credit Mid-America Customer Resource Manager, Marcus Tyler, highlighted the philosophy behind this partnership. “My dad always told me that knowledge is power. So being able to have that information presented to you, being able to see how your skill set can be applied to your passion or your interest, that’s what our Association is all about.”
"If the students decide they want to grow their own crops at some point in their life, they know they can go back to when they were children and teens and remember what they learned," explained Destiny Haygood, KKAC Director of Communications and Marketing, emphasizing the long-term impact of these early exposures.
Youth Director for KKAC, Brentney Sargent, noted the program's ability to ignite interest even in those initially uninterested in agriculture. "They love to be outdoors and they love learning new things," Brentney observed. "I think even if they never considered going into agricultural, after this program they'll have some type of interest in it.”
Through programs like "Sowing Seeds," KKAC and Farm Credit Mid-America are not just educating students about farming; they’re planting seeds of curiosity, inspiring future innovators and empowering young individuals with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their passions.
