The Bank of Cave City has made a significant financial contribution to the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB), supporting its agricultural education program. In recognition of the gift, UACCB’s Farm and Ranch Management (FARM) program will be renamed the Bank of Cave City Farm and Ranch Management Program, effective October 1, 2026.
The contribution establishes the Bank of Cave City Farm and Ranch Management Endowment through the UACCB Foundation, creating a lasting source of financial support for the program and its students. The endowment will assist with program operations, equipment needs, maintenance, expansion, scholarships, and other education-related expenses for students pursuing agricultural careers.
“We are grateful to Bank of Cave City for investing in our students and the future of agriculture in our region,” said Dr. Brian Shonk, chancellor of UACCB. “The FARM program gives students the opportunity to learn by working with crops, livestock, and the everyday decisions involved in running a farm or ranch. This gift will help us continue building those opportunities and support future generations of students as they prepare to contribute to our agricultural communities.”
UACCB’s FARM program combines hands-on training in crop and livestock production with the business and management skills necessary to operate a farm or ranch. Students engage in practical work with agricultural equipment, animal care, and crop production and explore precision agriculture technologies, including drones, GPS, and data-driven decision-making tools. The program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Farm and Ranch Management, as well as technical certificates and certificates of proficiency.
John Beller, president and CEO of Bank of Cave City, highlighted the importance of supporting agricultural education in the region. “We are thrilled to support UACCB and this innovative FARM program. Agricultural production is a vital part of community and economic development, and this curriculum will empower the next generation of farmers to succeed as food producers, entrepreneurs, and citizens,” he said.
The new endowment aims to strengthen the program’s long-term sustainability while making agricultural education more accessible to students in the region. By investing in the next generation of farm and ranch managers, the endowment also supports the continued success of local agricultural operations.
For more information about the Bank of Cave City Farm and Ranch Management Program, visit www.uaccb.edu/farm.