Arkansas County Agriculture Agents Association

07/12/2026

Yesterday our 2026 distinguished service award winners were recognized for the outstanding work at the annual awards banquet. This year’s recipients were Grant Beckwith, Jerri Dew, and Jennifer Caraway. This is the highest award give by our organization. There were lots more educational opportunities for our members and the day ended with National President JJ Jones passing the gavel and hosting the presidential reception.

07/11/2026

👀Another busy day at the NACAA Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference! Several of our members gave presentations on some of the great programs they are doing in their counties. There were LOTS of presentations from across the country today for members to learn from each other! Our very own Sherri Sanders was recognized for her service as Southern Region Director. The day ended with a stop at the CSU SPUR Ag education center. An awesome day of professional development and a little time for some fun!

07/09/2026

📍The National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference is being held this week in Denver, CO with over 50 agents, administrators, spouses, and guests in attendance! The meeting was kicked off by Delta District Director and current National President JJ Jones and the First Lady's Reception. Members were treated to an opening session address from Dr. Temple Grandin and several showed off their amazing programs during the poster session! Stay tuned this week for more updates from Denver!

07/03/2026

FYI. For members going to the National Meeting.

The Wildfire Information Resource Center (WIRC), proposed under Senate Bill 14-008 and updated under

04/22/2026

🎉 Even More Great News! 🎉

Following his state-winning entry, Kevin Lawson has now been named a Regional Winner in the NACAA Communications Awards – Newsletter Category!

This achievement moves him forward to compete at the national level, representing Arkansas among the best in the country.

We’re proud of Kevin’s continued excellence in Extension communication and the impact his work has on producers and communities.

Check out the original award-winning post below!

03/22/2026

🌟 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ACAAA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNER! 🌟

Please join us in congratulating Jerri Dew, Lafayette County, for receiving the ACAAA Distinguished Service Award!

This prestigious award recognizes Extension professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and long-term impact in their communities.

Jerri has dedicated 20 years to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Extension Service, serving in four Southwest Arkansas counties and currently as Staff Chair in Lafayette County.

Throughout her career, she has:
✔️ Positively impacted countless individuals, families, and communities
✔️ Built lasting relationships through Extension programming and service
✔️ Demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of others

Jerri’s passion for Extension and her dedication to serving others truly reflect the spirit of this award.

She will be honored at the NACAA Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference (AM/PIC) in Denver this July.

Years of Service: 20

03/22/2026

🌟 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ACAAA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNER! 🌟

Please join us in congratulating Grant Beckwith, Arkansas County, for receiving the ACAAA Distinguished Service Award!

The Distinguished Service Award honors Extension professionals with 10+ years of service who have made significant contributions through leadership and programming.

Grant began his Extension career in 2006 and currently serves as Staff Chair, providing leadership in the development and delivery of research-based agricultural programs.

His work includes:
✔️ Supporting producers in rice, soybean, and corn production
✔️ Promoting efficient irrigation practices
✔️ Strengthening partnerships with producers, local leaders, and advisory groups

👏 Grant’s leadership and long-standing commitment to Extension continue to support the success of Arkansas agriculture.

He will be honored at the NACAA Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference (AM/PIC) in Denver this July.

Years of Service: 20

03/22/2026

🌟 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ACAAA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNER! 🌟

Please join us in congratulating Jennifer Caraway, Miller County, for receiving the ACAAA Distinguished Service Award!

The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor presented by ACAAA, recognizing Extension professionals with 10 or more years of outstanding service, leadership, and impact.

Jennifer has served as a County Extension Agent for 11 years, providing leadership in agricultural programming with a strong emphasis on forage improvement and productivity.

Her work includes:
✔️ Advancing forage management and livestock productivity
✔️ Leading impactful feral hog trapping and research efforts
✔️ Earning both state and national recognition for her work
✔️ Serving as NACAA Southern Region Vice-Chair for Recognition & Awards

Jennifer’s leadership and dedication continue to make a lasting impact on Arkansas agriculture and the Extension profession.

She will be honored at the NACAA Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference (AM/PIC) in Denver this July.

Years of Service: 11

03/22/2026

🏆 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ACAAA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER! 🏆

Please join us in congratulating Blake Erbach, Perry County, for receiving the ACAAA Achievement Award!

The Achievement Award recognizes Extension professionals with less than 10 years of service who have demonstrated excellence in programming, leadership, and service to their communities.

After gaining valuable experience working on a custom feedlot in Colorado, Blake returned home to begin his Extension career, bringing both education and hands-on experience to serve his community.

In his role, Blake:
✔️ Works with row-crop, livestock, and sod producers
✔️ Collaborates with community leaders to strengthen local agriculture
✔️ Provides meaningful, high-quality educational opportunities for producers, families, and youth

Blake’s dedication and practical approach make a lasting impact in Perry County and beyond.

Years of Service: 4