An Experience Blending Education, Community, and Celebration
Date: November 4-6, 2026 | Location: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
About the Rural Life Conference
Family. Land. Legacy. Future.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s 66th Annual Rural Life Conference brings together landowners, farmers, ranchers, researchers, educators, students, community leaders, and partners for three days of education, engagement, and celebration.
The 2026 experience, presented by UAPB’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, connects literacy and education, land stewardship, sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural development, and community resilience through preconference experiences, workshops, networking, and practical resources.
From preparing the next generation to strengthening the land and communities that sustain us, the Rural Life Conference creates opportunities to promote, prepare, plan, practice, persevere, prosper and preserve.
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Institute Program (Detailed Institute agenda coming soon)
A Rural Life preconference learning experience connecting literacy, storytelling, cultural identity, the arts, and sciences to student success and community advancement across the Arkansas Delta.
Students, educators, administrators, families, and community partners will engage in interactive literacy, art, science, and storytelling experiences designed to inspire readers, writers, and creative thinkers of all ages.
UAPB Small Farm | KIITF Landowner Retreat & 10th Anniversary Gala
Roots to Resilience: A Decade of Cultivation and Stewardship
7:00 a.m. | Registration and Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Retreat and RLC
6:00 – 9:30 p.m. | Gala
The Landowner Retreat provides practical tools for forest landowners, including land management, land succession, cost-share programs, and stewardship strategies.
Participants will connect with experts, peers, and program partners while exploring real-world strategies to improve timber value, forest health, wildlife habitat, and generational wealth.
The evening concludes with the 10th Anniversary Gala, celebrating a decade of service to landowners and partners.
Gala Keynote Speaker:Mr. Frank Taylor – President of Winston County Self-Help Cooperative
Important: Gala attendance is limited to 300 participants.
From Vision to Victory — Where Land, People and Purpose Grow Together
7:00 a.m. | Registration and Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Rural Life Conference
The 66th Annual Rural Life Conference features more than 20 workshops in sustainable agriculture, forestry, and rural development designed to provide practical knowledge, resources, and connections for rural communities.
Participants can network with farmers, landowners, researchers, agencies, and industry leaders; access information on tools, funding opportunities, and technical assistance; and discover actionable strategies for rural growth and community resilience.
Breakfast and lunch are provided, along with opportunities for door prizes.
VIEW CONFERENCE PROGRAM - Coming Soon
Who Should Attend
The Rural Life Conference welcomes individuals and organizations committed to strengthening rural communities, sustaining land and natural resources, expanding opportunity, and preparing the next generation.
Family Landowners & Heirs Explore resources for land management, succession, stewardship, and preserving family legacies.
Farmers & Ranchers Connect with practical information, resources, and agricultural innovations.
Forest Landowners Learn about forestry, conservation, land management, and generational stewardship.
Researchers & Extension Professionals Share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and connect research with community needs.
Students & Emerging Professionals Explore agriculture, natural resources, literacy, research, careers and community leadership.
Community & Rural Development Leaders Connect with nonprofit partners, agencies, agricultural professionals, and advocates working to strengthen rural communities.
USDA and Agriculture Professionals Connect rural communities with the most up-to-date resources, expertise, programs available, and practical solutions for economic development to strengthen the long-term growth of rural Arkansas communities
2026 CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE
Plan Your Rural Life Conference Experience
Date
Experience
Time
Nov. 4
Inaugural Arkansas Delta Literacy Institute
8 am – 4:30 pm
Nov. 5
Landowner Retreat
8 am – 3 pm
Nov. 5
10th Anniversary Gala
6 –9:30 pm
Nov. 6
66th Annual Rural Life Conference
8 am –3 pm
VIEW/DOWNLOAD 2026 CONFERENCE FLYER - Coming Soon
Registration
Make Plans to Join Us November 4–6
Early Registration: June 1–September 30 Regular Registration: October 1–October 16 On-Site Registration: After October 16 Checks or money orders only for on-site registration.
