FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- The University of Arkansas announced Tuesday (Oct. 6) it received $1.5 million in donations to their poultry sciences department.
The donations come from Tyson Foods, George's and Simmons, the three largest poultry companies in Northwest Arkansas. The money will go towards improving the poultry sciences facilities at the university.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson was the keynote speaker at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture 20th anniversary celebration. He said donations like the ones from Tyson Foods, George's and Simmons are what keep the agricultural programs at the university in the top tier in the nation.
"What that means is that the students are seeing top quality research that is key to the industry," Hutchinson said. "If they want to engage in the poultry industry in the future, this is the place to come."
The university will also put $200,000 toward creating education centers for youth to encourage interest in poultry sciences.