The U of A Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness professor Michael Popp has been named the Harold F. Ohlendorf Chair.

The Harold F. Ohlendorf Chair position aims to support farmers and help them select effective farming practices that are environmentally sustainable.  

"I'm humbled by the confidence put in me to do this job," 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 findings that can enhance the profitability, risk management and resource utilization of row crop and livestock producers in the Arkansas Delta region. 

Popp will focus on Arkansas-centered research, especially preliminary studies that can enhance future grant applications. This support will aid in conducting thorough economic analyses crucial for Arkansas agricultural producers.  

Popp emphasizes the importance of updating decision aids and creating instructional materials to assist producers in applying research findings. He may also provide in-service training for extension agents and support student and research staff professional development to disseminate research results better.  

"This is an opportunity I am passionate about," Popp said. "This position truly fits like a glove."  

Popp has been working in academia for over 25 years, where his appointment has covered teaching, research and service. He has received several accolades for his commitment to teaching and passion for research and service. Managing risk exposure, gaining production efficiency by enhancing yield or lowering input use per unit of output, increasing revenue by target marketing to niche consumers and sustainably managing weeds, diseases, pests or unfavorable weather conditions across Arkansas have been and are the focal points of Popp's research. 

Ohlendorf was a long-standing leader in the field of agriculture. He is best known for his 16-year presidency of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, during which the organization experienced significant growth. He also served on the Board of Directors for the American Farm Bureau Federation and was a Mississippi County Farm Bureau board member and president in 1949-50. A Rhodes College graduate, 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 for the cotton industry, he was named "Master Farmer" in 1950. In addition to his agricultural contributions, Ohlendorf held various civic and financial positions, including chairman of multiple 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 the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege. 

About the Division of Agriculture: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to 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 nation's historic land grant education system. The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.