The Cooperative Extension Service offers a host of educational programs and services. If you do not see what you are looking for below, please contact our county Extension Office for assistance.
The Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program in Lonoke County offers instruction in healthy living practices, financial management, family relationships, child care, and community involvement.
Contact our Family Consumer Sciences agent at the Lonoke County office at 501-676-3124 for more information.
Photo: Students watching a presentation from Family Consumer Sciences Agent, Devyn Britt.
There's a link between nutrition, physical activity, and the well-being of individuals and families. The typical Arkansas diet has too much fat and added sugar but does not include enough fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains. This diet, in conjunction with too little physical activity contributes to the development of serious health problems. Extension offers a variety of programs to address this and other health related issues.
Family life is full of challenges, but when we make wise choices, it is also rewarding. We offer a number of programs designed for every stage of family life that will make your family life more effective and satisfying.
In today's world there are a number of challenges that affect our financial wellness. We offer instruction in everything from identity theft and avoiding scams to spending plans and debtor education. Navigating the Financial Journey - learn the basics of successful financial management, budget management, money management, wise use of credit, and consumer protection
A partnership between the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (UACES), the Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services, and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. The SNAP-Ed program provides nutrition education to food stamp recipients and other eligible low-income individuals and families including Head Start programs, senior citizen centers, commodity distribution sites, and public schools where 50% or more of the students are eligible for free or reduced price lunch.
Lonoke County has a very active Extension Homemakers organization. The mission of the Extension Homemakers organization shall be to empower individuals and families to improve their quality of living through continuing education, leadership development, and community service. This group contributed 4386 hours of volunteer service in 2024! See the list below for Lonoke County's active Extension Homemaker Clubs.
If you are interested in becoming involved in one of them or if you know a group that would like to start a new club, contact our office at (501) 676-3124.
The Agricultural division of the Lonoke County Extension Service offers a variety of educational and service programs in a variety of areas. For more information on the agriculture educational programs or services contact our agriculture agent at (501) 676-3124
Photo: Scouting of rice fields is just one of the many services provided by the Lonoke County Agricultural team.
For current extension research click the area of interest.
Other agricultural services offered by Lonoke county: Arkansas offers many testing and diagnostic services to its residents and farmers, most are free of charge. N-ST*R is a soil based N test that quantifies the amount of N that will become available to the rice crop during the growing season (260 acres tested). Strawberry monitoring: This service assists in monitoring nutritional status and correcting deficiencies. This not only ensures that yield and quality are optimized but protects against applying excess nutrients in the environment and incurring unnecessary expense. (10 kits submitted).
Photo: Other Agriculture Services offered by Lonoke County)
Lonoke county submitted the following soil samples in 2016: Rice - 922 samples (420,087 acres); Corn - 433 samples (34, 940 acres); Soybeans - 365 samples (13,203 acres); Lawn and Garden: 619 samples (35,342 acres); Other: 97 samples (1,382 acres).
Photo: Types of soil samples submitted by Lonoke County.
Lonoke County citizens take responsibilities, duties, and obligations seriously.
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service responds to our clientele
needs by offering programs such as Lonoke Leadership and LeadAR to recognize potential
local, county, and state leaders.
Urgent public issues are researched by the Public Policy Institute to produce non-biased ballot issue publications. Arkansas Procurement Assistance Center provides assistance to county businesses in securing contracts with state, regional, and national vendors who supply government agencies. Local and county leaders are given resources on demographic changes, tax revenue trends, per capita income shifts, and regional comparisons of taxation and revenues.
Photo: Lonoke County staff at the Lonoke High School Career Day
Lonoke County Extension Service reaches youth ages 5-19 through the 4-H youth development program. 4-H members are involved with projects in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), citizenship, leadership, and healthy lifestyles, as well as a variety of other educational programs and activities. To learn more about becoming a 4-H leader or volunteer, or about 4-H programming, contact the Lonoke County Extension Office – 501-676-3124.
Photo: 4-H youth with informational poster
4-H Clubs are organized groups of boys and girls who elect officers and are supported by adult volunteer leaders. The 4-H club conducts meetings and activities throughout the year. Club meetings typically include the conducting of some business by the officers, an educational program, and a team building or recreational activity. Clubs frequently include opportunities for leadership and community service/service learning.
Lonoke County 4-H offers a variety of activities to give all youth an opportunity to get involved. Below is a list of county, district and state activities available to 4-H members.
COUNTY LEVEL:
4-H Cooks
Ross Photography
Day Camps:
Shooting Sports – Basic, Advanced
4-H Cloverbud
4-H Junior
Sewing – Basic, Intermediate, Advanced
Fun in the Kitchen
Babysitting Basics
O-Rama:
Illustrated Talks & Demonstration
Bicycle
Bait Casting
BB Gun
Fashion Revue
Performing Arts
Wildlife
Crop and Weed Identification
County Fair
DISTRICT LEVEL:
O-Rama - open to 4-H members ages 9-19
4-H Horseshow
Southeast District Fair
STATE LEVEL:
Camps:
Adventure & Challenge
Forestry & Wildlife
Career Camp
Equine Camp
Junior Camp
Cloverbud Camp
STEM Camp
State O-Rama:
Same events as County O-Rama
Livestock Judging
Poultry Judging
Interior Design
Parliamentary Procedure
ATV Safety
Trips:
High Adventure
Citizenship ... Washington Focus
National 4-H Conference
National 4-H Congress
Leadership Opportunities:
Camp Leadership Workshop
Teen Leader Conference
State 4-H Ambassador
4-H Teen Star
Arkansas 4-H State Officer
4-H In School Clubs are utilized in an attempt to reach youth that may not be involved with 4-H due to time, transportation, or other reasons. School Clubs meet once a month in their classrooms, conduct a brief business meeting, then engaged in an educational program and recreation.
2018-2019 Lonoke County 4-H In School Clubs
A School Enrichment project is a cooperative effort between a school and the Lonoke County Cooperative Extension Service. Members participate in an education program planned and coordinated by Extension staff in cooperation with school officials to supplement and compliment the school curriculum. For more information on bringing 4-H into your school or classroom, contact the Lonoke County Extension Office – 501-676-3124.
Successful 4-H School Enrichment Programs: