Michael Popp, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Agri-Food Economics at the University of Alberta, has been named the Harold F. Ohlendorf Chair.

The Harold F. Ohlendorf Chair position aims to support farmers and help them select efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

“I am humbled by the trust placed in me to do this work,” Popp said. “Farm management has been my passion for over 30 years; I love working in this field.

Popp’s vision for the position aims to accelerate research efforts and improve access to results that can improve profitability, risk management and resource utilization of row crop and livestock producers in the Arkansas Delta region.

Popp will focus on Arkansas-centered research, particularly preliminary studies that can improve future grant applications. This support will help conduct in-depth economic analyzes crucial to Arkansas agricultural producers.

Popp emphasizes the importance of updating decision aids and creating educational materials to help growers apply research findings. It can also provide continuing education to extension agents and support the professional development of students and research staff to better disseminate research results.

“It’s an opportunity that I’m excited about,” Popp said. “This position really fits me like a glove.”

Popp has worked in academia for over 25 years, where his appointment spans teaching, research and service. He has received several honors for his commitment to teaching and his passion for research and service. Manage risk exposure, gain production efficiency by improving yield or reducing input use per unit of production, increase revenues through targeted marketing to niche consumers and sustainably manage weeds, diseases, pests or adverse weather conditions throughout Arkansas have been and are the focal points of Popp’s. research.

Ohlendorf was a longtime leader in agriculture. He is best known for his 16 years as president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, during which the organization experienced significant growth. He also served on the board of directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation and was a member and chairman of the board of directors of the Mississippi County Farm Bureau in 1949-50. A graduate of Rhodes College, Ohlendorf owned a highly productive farm in northeast Arkansas and played a crucial role in establishing the Northeast Arkansas Research and Extension Center.

Recognized as a leading advocate of the cotton industry, he was named a “Master Farmer” in 1950. In addition to his agricultural contributions, Ohlendorf served in various civic and financial positions, including president of several banks, president of Osceola Broadcasting Company and director of several organizations.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in businesses associated with food, family, environment, agriculture, sustainability and quality of life. human life; and who will be the first choice candidates for employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, a former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state an important player in domestic and international agriculture. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website and follow us on Twitter at@BumpersCollegeand Instagram at BumpersCollege.

About the Division of Agriculture: The mission of the University of Arkansas Agricultural System Division is to strengthen agriculture, communities and families by connecting trusted research with 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 country’s historic land-grant education system. The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities in the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 Arkansas counties and faculty on five campuses in the system. The University of Arkansas Division of Agricultural System provides all of its extension and research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin nationality, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information or other legally protected status and is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.