Jack G. Justus

Jack G. Justus was born and raised in Boone County in Northwest Arkansas. He was a product of Arkansas’ educational system, graduating with honors from the University of Arkansas with a B.S. in Agriculture. He was employed by the Cooperative Extension Service from 1953 to 1960, where he was a county agricultural agent in Northeast Arkansas. In 1960, he joined the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation as a district director of Field Services. In 1971, he became the legislative director; in 1975, vice president-executive assistant; and in 1982-1997 served the Arkansas Farm Bureau as its executive vice president. Arkansas Farm Bureau is the largest farm organization in the state with offices in each county. It provides valuable services to rural people and public officials, including members of the Arkansas and national legislative circles. As the executive vice president, Mr. Justus oversaw the daily operation of the Federation and its affiliated companies. During his tenure as executive vice president of Arkansas Farm Bureau, the organization nearly doubled in size to 200,000 members. His leadership is recognized throughout the state and nationally in representing the views of farm and rural people. Mr. Justus has been dedicated to the improvement of life for farm youth and the rural community. He also remained an active participant in agriculture, operating a 500-acre cattle farm in Boone County. He has served on the board of directors of numerous organizations, including the FFA Foundation, the 4-H Club Foundation, the Arkansas State Livestock Show, the University of Arkansas Agricultural Advisory Committee, Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the State Chamber of Commerce and the Arkansas River Basin Association.