RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Tech University (ATU) officials are marking key milestones in the construction of the new Farm Credit Agriculture Building, signaling steady progress on a facility that will expand hands-on learning opportunities for students in the university’s growing agriculture program.

University leaders announced that the concrete pad for the building was poured on Thursday, and the structure is on track to be erected in early July. Once the main frame is complete, interior finish work and equipment installation will begin shortly after.

The 3,300-square-foot building will serve as a multifunctional hub for the ATU agriculture department. It will include classroom and lab space, a tool storage area, and house welding equipment used by students preparing for agricultural careers. The building’s completion is expected in late 2025, according to university officials.

“This project is a major step forward for our agriculture program,” ATU administrators said, pointing to both the educational and technical upgrades the facility will offer.

Support and Funding: A Public-Private Collaboration

The project is being made possible through a combination of public and private support. Financial contributors include Farm Credit, Arkansas Farm Bureau, Greenway Equipment, Arvest Bank, and Union Bank, showcasing a strong commitment from the regional agricultural and business community.

In addition, Mobley Concrete contributed directly to the project by donating the concrete used for the foundation.

The building’s high-tech capabilities are being enabled by a $730,000 federal grant secured for ATU by U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (AR-03). University officials said the grant will provide funding for virtual and augmented reality welding systems, a modern teaching tool aimed at improving the preparation of future K–12 agriculture teachers.

“These virtual and AR systems will enhance our teaching capabilities and better prepare our graduates for the evolving agricultural workforce,” said an ATU spokesperson.

More Than a Building: Investing in Agricultural Education

This investment reflects Arkansas Tech’s continued growth in agricultural education and its commitment to providing hands-on, career-ready training. In recent years, the university has ramped up efforts to expand its learning infrastructure, including the recent topping out of the Ferguson Student Union and hosting over 900 firefighters during a record-breaking wildfire academy.

The new Farm Credit Agriculture Building will help ATU train the next generation of agriculture educators, technicians, and industry professionals—just as the region sees growing demand for skilled workers in rural development and ag-tech sectors.

To learn more about the Arkansas Tech University agriculture program, visit ATU.edu/Agriculture.

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Originally reported by Alex Kienlen in KARK News.