Senator Stanley Russ exhibited a commitment and interest in argiculture early in his life, and that commitment has never waned. State Senator Russ grew up on a dairy farm near Conway. He was educated in the Conway public schools and during his senior year, was elected state president of the Future Farmers of America. His higher education includes a B.S. in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas. Senator Russ served as the Arkansas 4-H Foundation’s contact with the Arkansas Legislature. Through his efforts, $2,350,000 was appropriated for buildings and programs at the C. A.  Vines 4-H Education Center in Ferndale. He also served on the State FFA Foundation Board and was instrumental in securing significant state appropriations for renovating Camp Couchdale near Hot Springs. He served on the board of the Faulkner County and State 4-H Foundation and on the Board of Governor’s for the Arkansas Livestock Show. During his legislative career, Senator Russ held many important positions, including chairman of the Joint Budget Committee and president pro tem of the Arkansas Senate. In 1981, he was named by the Assembly of Governmental Employees one of the Ten Outstanding State Legislators in the United States. In 1996, he was selected as one of only 30 from throughout the country to attend the National Education Summit.