UArk’s Rick Cartwright among 6 to be inducted into Arkansas Ag Hall of Fame

rick cartwright
Dr. Rick Cartwright retired June 30, 2020, after 28 years at the University of Arkansas. Most recently, he served as director of the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. He also was known internationally for his expertise in rice pathology.

The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame has announced that six individuals will be inducted during 2021 due to their leadership and service to the state’s largest business sector.

The newest class represents agriculture education, the seed industry, agri-business, row-crop production, agricultural/political advocacy, timber management, plus agricultural research and outreach.

The newest inductees include:

• Retired Cooperative Extension Service Director Rick Cartwright of Fayetteville.

• Long-time ag educator Joe Don Greenwood of Hermitage.

• The late Russell Roy Reynolds, the director of the U.S. Forest Service Crossett Experimental Forest for 34 years.

• Former Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach of Manila.

• Mark Waldrip of Moro, founder of Armor Seed Co.

• Andrew Wargo III of Watson, farm manager for the 15,000-acre Baxter Land Company for more than 50 years.

Induction ceremonies for Class XXXIV have not been set. The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame board of directors has decided to forego the traditional timeframe of early March and is working to secure a date for mid-summer.

“Arkansas agriculture is one of the great success stories of our state, and that is sometimes overlooked in today’s society,” said Butch Calhoun of Des Arc, chairman of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. “This class reflects a remarkable line of success that connects everyone selected for the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.

“Like almost every program, we have been forced to adjust our schedule and plans, though we very much hope to have an in-person event to celebrate this marvelous class of inductees. When you pull together all parts of agriculture in celebration of our state’s largest industry and to recognize those who have made such a meaningful contribution, it is a special, special day.”

The new selections will bring to 176 the number of honorees in the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame, begun in 1987.

Read more about the 6 inductees

The Arkansas Farm Bureau contributed this article.

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