RISON - In a recent episode of the "Free Range Conversation" podcast hosted by Britt Talent, Douglas Boultinghouse, and Roy Phillips, Cleveland County Extension agents Austin Compton and David West detailed the wide range of research-backed educational programs and services offered through the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
The full episode is now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and ClevelandCountyHerald.com
Agriculture and Horticulture Services
Agriculture agent David West addressed the practical resources available to local farmers, gardeners, and property owners. A key service provided by the county office is free soil testing.
"Don't guess, soil test," West said, noting that testing helps landowners avoid costly trial-and-error mistakes.
"Whether it be your yard or your garden or your pasture, you want to do a random sample taking a small amount from each spot, combining that as one sample."
West explained that samples should be pulled from a depth of four to six inches across 15 different spots in a zigzag pattern to obtain an accurate representative sample.
The office provides sample boxes, fact sheets on proper soil sampling, and assistance in interpreting lab reports.
Beyond soil testing, West noted that local agriculture calls frequently involve pasture weed identification, forage management, and pond care—including addressing weed growth and muddy water.
When complex issues arise, county agents consult with specialized extension experts, such as University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff pond specialist Scott Jones, who can conduct on-site farm visits.
Family and Consumer Sciences
Family and Consumer Science (FCS) agent Austin Compton outlined the broad educational focus of his department, which covers nutrition, health and wellness, family finances, textiles, and safe food preservation.
"Our job is to relay the information in an understandable way to the general populace," Compton explained, describing how high-level university research is translated into practical fact sheets, community workshops, and hands-on programs.
Compton noted that home food preservation and canning remain major areas of community interest.
Compton also highlighted youth financial literacy initiatives, such as the "Get Real, Here's the Deal" simulation for high school upperclassmen.
In the program, students are assigned mock life and financial scenarios and must navigate budgeting stations for housing, transportation, banking, utilities, and groceries.
"It is a budgeting project for high schoolers... they realize situations aren't good and you gotta make sacrifices," Compton said.
Youth Development and Community Engagement
Both agents oversee 4-H youth development activities in Cleveland County for youth ages 5 to 19.
Programs range from in-school leadership and public speaking activities—such as illustrated talks and parliamentary procedure—to specialized community clubs.
West highlighted the county's unique 4-H Blacksmith Club, led by volunteer Ed Montgomery, where youth learn metalworking skills at the Pioneer Village blacksmith shop. The extension office is also working to expand its 4-H Outdoor Skills program, which covers archery, marksmanship, and outdoor safety. West emphasized that volunteer leaders are needed to help expand these youth offerings.
Additionally, Compton works closely with the county's six Extension Homemakers Clubs (EHC).
Compton described the EHC members as "the real powerhouse behind a lot of the volunteer hours in the community," noting their essential role in judging and organizing categories at the annual Cleveland County Fair.
A Resource for Information
Residents interested in soil testing, 4-H participation, Extension Homemakers Clubs, or educational fact sheets can visit the Cleveland County Extension Office at 501 East Magnolia Street in Rison, call (870) 325-6321, or visit online at uaex.uada.edu.
West can be reached via email at dwest@uaex.uada.edu, and Compton can be reached at acompton@uaex.uada.edu.