Craig Honored as 'Friend' of the Bumpers College

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Jim Craig of Stratton Seed Co.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – In recognition of long-time support and commitment to the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, Jim Craig of Stratton Seed Co. has been named a “Friend” on behalf of the college’s students.

Craig is director of marketing and operations for Stratton Seed, which opened in 1948 and is located in Stuttgart. The company provides seed produced on irrigated ground, and a wide range of crop input products and services to help growers maximize products.

Craig, who is from Stuttgart and earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from the U of A in 1973, has been with the company for almost 30 years after beginning his career with Hartz Seed Co.

“Jim has great passion for the Bumpers College and our students, and preparing them for their future careers,” said Bumpers College Dean Mike Vayda, in his announcement of the honor. “We are fortunate to have friends in the private sector to give us feedback and help us in our course evaluations and in preparing our students. Jim is a ‘Friend’ of the Bumpers College in the truest sense of the word, and we appreciate that relationship very much.”

Craig was instrumental in launching Leadership in Food Policy, a special topics course for creating a capstone team project in the Bumpers College two years ago. The course, which he funded, brought together students from different disciplines to work as a team and address specific topics for Stratton Seed. The concept gives students real-world experience, introduces them to potential employers, teaches them to work as a team instead of for a grade and puts them in leadership positions to address issues of economic or social relevance.

“Sell the product or products that give the customer the most economic return,” said Craig of his best business advice. “Too many companies in our industry are doing farmers a great disservice by selling the products which make the company the most profit. I love the American farmer and I love his independence, but I see it being taken away by the way big corporations control how they do business with him.”

Craig is a member of the Bumpers College Dean’s Executive Advisory Board and the Stuttgart City Council. As a member of the advisory board, he has provided valuable insight to assist the college in enhancing professional career opportunities for students, primarily through innovative curriculum initiatives matching what employers look for in recruited talent. Craig sponsored multidisciplinary team capstone projects for students to address specific tasks and projects similar to expectations they face in the workforce.

Craig has also served as president of the Southern Seed Association, Arkansas Seed Dealers and Arkansas Seed Growers, and is on the board of directors for the Arkansas Rice Council.

This is the second year the Bumpers College has recognized “Friends.” Craig joins the growing list, including Don White and White Commercial Corp. in Stuart, Florida, which focuses on futures clearing and grain trading; Marilyn Bogle, who has supported two endowed scholarships in addition to support for the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center and the college’s Equine Operational Fund; and Bill and Suzanne Hawkins, who are funding a portion of the construction of a patio complex on the south end of the Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences administration building to be used as an outdoor learning center.