Chimney Rock Cattle Company has donated ten bred heifers to the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville's Farm and Ranch Management Program, providing students with a significant hands-on learning opportunity as UACCB continues developing The Farm at UACCB.
The cattle were delivered to The Farm at UACCB on April 27, 2026. The donation will directly support instruction in livestock management, breeding decisions, herd development, animal care, and the daily responsibilities involved in operating a working ranch.
Agriculture remains one of Arkansas's most important industries, and programs like UACCB’s Farm and Ranch Management Program (FARM) are designed to help prepare students for careers in a field that continues to shape the state's economy, communities, and way of life. Through the FARM program, students gain practical experience in agriculture while learning the business, technical, and management skills needed to support the future of farming and ranching in Arkansas.
The late Bill Davis, longtime owner of Chimney Rock Cattle Company, was known for his passion for agriculture, mentorship, and helping build strong foundations for the future of the cattle business. This donation honors that legacy by creating lasting opportunities for students pursuing careers in ranch management.
“We are honored to support UACCB and their Ranch Management Program. Agriculture is built on strong leadership, hard work, and passing knowledge from one generation to the next. We believe in giving young people real opportunities to learn and grow, and we are excited to be a small part of that future. Bill would have been incredibly proud of this partnership and what it represents for the cattle industry,” said Chimney Rock Owner Gail Davis.
Chimney Rock Cattle Company General Manager Derrick Miller said the donation reflects the company's commitment to the next generation of cattle producers.
“At Chimney Rock, we believe the future of the cattle business depends on preparing the next generation the right way. This program gives students real-world exposure to cattle management, breeding decisions, and the responsibilities that come with operating a successful ranch. We're excited to partner with UACCB and help create opportunities that will benefit students for years to come. Mr. Bill Davis always believed in building something bigger than yourself, and I know he would have been excited to see this come together,” Miller said.
UACCB Chancellor Dr. Brian Shonk said the donation represents the type of community and industry partnership that makes career and technical education meaningful for students.
“This gift from Chimney Rock Cattle Company is an investment in our students, our agriculture program, and the future of Arkansas agriculture,” Shonk said. “The Farm at UACCB was created to give students real experience in the field, not just classroom instruction. A donation of this kind gives our students direct exposure to the responsibilities and decision-making involved in livestock production, and we are grateful to Mrs. Gail Davis, Derrick Miller, and Chimney Rock Cattle Company for helping make that possible.”
UACCB Farm Manager Bryan Anderson said the donation will help the college continue building the program and expanding student learning opportunities.
“We are grateful to Mrs. Gail Davis and Derrick Miller with Chimney Rock Cattle Company for their partnership with UACCB,” Anderson said. “This donation is greatly appreciated and will help us continue to grow our FARM program at the college.”
UACCB announced the launch of its Farm and Ranch Management Program in 2025 after securing a 207-acre lease for The Farm at UACCB. The program is designed to provide students with hands-on training in livestock production, crop production, farm operations, and agricultural business practices. The addition of the bred heifers strengthens the livestock component of the program and gives students the opportunity to learn through direct involvement with a working herd.
The Farm at UACCB continues to serve as a key instructional site for the Farm and Ranch Management Program, connecting classroom learning with real-world agricultural practice.
