The Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund, Inc. (AREF) recently welcomed agricultural finance professionals, rural development leaders, and representatives from across the United States to Northwest Arkansas for the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of the National Association of Rural Rehabilitation Corporations (NARRC) and the National Council of State Agricultural Finance Programs (NCOSAFP).

Held September 26–30, 2026, at the Rogers Convention Center in Rogers, Arkansas, the national conference brought together organizations committed to strengthening agriculture, expanding access to capital, and supporting rural economic development.
As the Arkansas host organization, AREF coordinated the five-day event, which featured educational presentations, industry discussions, networking opportunities, and tours highlighting Arkansas’s agricultural economy, businesses, and cultural heritage.

The conference also marked an important leadership milestone for AREF. Chris Lampkin, General Manager of the Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund, assumed the presidency of NARRC, following his service as the association’s Vice President. The national leadership role provides an opportunity for Arkansas to have a continued voice in discussions concerning agricultural finance, rural lending initiatives, and the challenges facing rural communities across the country.

“Hosting this conference in Arkansas was a tremendous honor and an opportunity to showcase the agricultural innovation, businesses, and people that make our state special,” said Lampkin. “Assuming the presidency of NARRC makes the occasion particularly meaningful. I look forward to working with our member organizations to strengthen collaborations, share successful approaches, and advance our common mission of serving agriculture and rural America.”

Conference participants had opportunities to learn about Arkansas’s diverse agricultural industries and the contributions of organizations such as Tyson Foods, Walmart, and the University of Arkansas. The program also demonstrated the importance of agriculture and related industries to the state’s economy.

AREF is an Arkansas nonprofit organization providing financing for agricultural operations, rural
development projects, and educational opportunities, including student loans for career and technical
training. Through its lending programs, AREF works to expand access to capital and help individuals and
businesses pursue opportunities that strengthen Arkansas communities.
AREF’s involvement in NARRC and NCOSAFP provides opportunities to exchange ideas, examine
emerging challenges in agricultural finance, and learn from successful programs operating in other states.
These national relationships help inform AREF’s work and reinforce its commitment to serving Arkansas
agriculture and rural communities.
“While our organizations may operate in different states and under different programs, we share a common
purpose,” Lampkin added. “That is to create opportunities for agricultural producers, support rural
communities, and help ensure that future generations have access to the resources necessary to
succeed.”
AREF extends its appreciation to the conference speakers, sponsors, participating organizations, local
businesses, and volunteers whose support contributed to the event’s success.

The Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund, Inc. is a nonprofit lending organization committed to supporting
agriculture, rural development, and educational advancement throughout Arkansas. Through agricultural
and student lending programs, AREF works to provide financing opportunities that encourage economic
growth, workforce development, and stronger rural communities.
Media Contact: Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund, Inc.
Email: aref@aref.org | Website: aref.org

AREF is an Arkansas nonprofit organization providing financing for agricultural operations, rural
development projects, and educational opportunities, including student loans for career and technical
training. Through its lending programs, AREF works to expand access to capital and help individuals and
businesses pursue opportunities that strengthen Arkansas communities.
AREF’s involvement in NARRC and NCOSAFP provides opportunities to exchange ideas, examine
emerging challenges in agricultural finance, and learn from successful programs operating in other states.
These national relationships help inform AREF’s work and reinforce its commitment to serving Arkansas
agriculture and rural communities.
“While our organizations may operate in different states and under different programs, we share a common
purpose,” Lampkin added. “That is to create opportunities for agricultural producers, support rural
communities, and help ensure that future generations have access to the resources necessary to
succeed.”
AREF extends its appreciation to the conference speakers, sponsors, participating organizations, local
businesses, and volunteers whose support contributed to the event’s success.

Participants in the 2026 NARRC and NCOSAFP Joint Annual Meeting were photographed at Walmart Headquarters
in Bentonville, Arkansas. The conference was held in Rogers, Arkansas, September 26–30, 2026.
About the Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund
The Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund, Inc. is a nonprofit lending organization committed to supporting
agriculture, rural development, and educational advancement throughout Arkansas. Through agricultural
and student lending programs, AREF works to provide financing opportunities that encourage economic
growth, workforce development, and stronger rural communities.
Media Contact: Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund, Inc.
Email: aref@aref.org | Website: aref.org

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