The Bradley County Cooperative Extension Service has welcomed a new Agriculture and 4-H agent, and for Ronald “RJ” Martin Jr., the opportunity is more than just a job — it is a chance to serve the community where he was raised while helping cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Martin officially began his role on June 1 and has already immersed himself in a variety of community activities and agricultural programs throughout Bradley County.
A Warren native, Martin graduated from Warren High School in 2022 before attending Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business in May 2026 and immediately returned home to begin his career with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
For Martin, agriculture has been a lifelong passion rooted in his love for animals and the outdoors.
“I love horses, and I wanted to broaden the spectrum to cows, pigs, sheep and more,” Martin said.
His path to agriculture was not always certain. When he first entered college, Martin pursued pediatric nursing and also considered agricultural education before ultimately finding his place in agricultural business.
“I spoke with my advisor, and after discussing my interests and career goals, agriculture business seemed like the best fit,” he said.
As the county’s new Agriculture and 4-H agent, Martin will work closely with local farmers, ranchers, youth and community members. His responsibilities include providing educational programs, promoting agricultural best practices and helping young people develop leadership skills through 4-H activities.
One of his primary goals is helping youth better understand the role agriculture plays in everyday life.
“I want to teach the community and future leaders about agriculture and where their food comes from,” Martin said. “I hope to help them expand their horizons.”
Although he has been on the job for just under a month, Martin has already experienced a busy introduction to extension work.
Among his early activities were interviewing the Bradley County Farm Family of the Year, participating in events connected to the Pink Tomato Festival, attending 4-H District O-Rama competitions, visiting local farms and assisting with youth activities at First Baptist Church, where he baked cookies with children.
The fast-paced schedule has given him a firsthand look at the diverse responsibilities that come with serving as a county extension agent.
“It has definitely been busy, but it’s been exciting,” Martin said. “Every day is different, and there is always something new to learn.”
Martin said one of the things he enjoys most about agriculture is its vast reach and influence on everyday life.
“Everything is related to agriculture,” he said. “Our food, paper, water bottles — everything.”
That broad impact is one reason he is passionate about helping others gain a deeper appreciation for the agricultural industry.
“A lot of people don’t realize how much agriculture affects their daily lives,” he said. “It touches almost everything we use.”
Throughout his academic journey, Martin credits several individuals for helping shape his career path. He said the faculty members in Southern Arkansas University’s agriculture program played an important role in his development, particularly agriculture department chair Cobie Moore.
“All of my professors were influential, especially Dr. Cobie Moore,” Martin said. “They encouraged me and helped prepare me for this career.”
He also expressed gratitude to his mentor, John Gavin, whose guidance and support helped reinforce his commitment to agriculture.
Outside of work, Martin remains deeply connected to the passion that first drew him to the field.
He currently owns three horses and spends much of his free time riding and training them. One of his newest projects is a young horse named Vegas.
He also enjoys spending time with family and friends and caring for his new puppy, Millie, a 10-week-old companion that has quickly become a favorite member of the household.
Martin’s love of horses began at an early age. He started taking riding lessons when he was just 3 years old, with his parents regularly driving him to Calion for lessons.
“By the time I was 5, my parents bought me my first pony, and the rest is history,” he said with a smile.
That early exposure to horses not only sparked a lifelong hobby but also helped establish the foundation for a future career in agriculture.
Now, as one of the youngest extension agents in the region, Martin hopes his age and perspective will help him connect with local youth while continuing to support Bradley County’s agricultural community.
“I want to give kids something fun and exciting to do,” he said. “I think bringing a youth perspective to the position can help us connect with younger people and get them interested in agriculture.”
At the same time, he looks forward to working alongside local producers and helping them discover practical solutions that can improve efficiency and productivity.
“I want to work with our farmers and help them find easier practices and resources that can benefit their operations,” Martin said.
As he settles into his new role, Martin is eager to build relationships throughout Bradley County and continue the Cooperative Extension Service’s mission of education, leadership and community development.
For a young man who grew up in Warren and developed a passion for agriculture at an early age, returning home to serve the community that helped shape him is a full-circle moment.
“I am excited to be here,” Martin said. “This community has given me a lot, and I look forward to giving back.”
