John Philpot

John Philpot is recognized by Arkansans across the state because of his one-of-a-kind humor and an unending interest in the promotion of Arkansas agriculture. Raised in Mena, Philpot earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1957 from the University of Arkansas, where he later earned a master’s degree in educational media. Philpot also performed graduate study at the University of Iowa. Philpot worked 15 years for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service as assistant county agent in Clark and Miller counties, as well as radio and television specialist in the Extension Service’s state office. He led statewide efforts to train Extension personnel in media communications, production and performance. Recognizing the need for a specialists’ professional organization, Philpot was founding president of the Arkansas Association of Cooperative Extension Specialists. He also accepted an international assignment in Morocco to demonstrate use of television for programs of national development, specifically, topdressing wheat with nitrogen fertilizer. His service to agriculture included delivery of useful information to farmers and ranchers during his many years as a farm broadcaster at radio stations, television stations and networks in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, including KCMC radio and TV in Texarkana and KTAL-TV and KEEL radio in Shreveport, La. Following the death of longtime farm broadcaster Marvin Vines, Philpot accepted the position of farm director at KAAY radio in Little Rock. Later, he held similar positions at KATV Channel 7 and the Arkansas Radio Network. In 1985, Philpot launched his own company, an advertising agency and booking agency for his humor presentations. He has hosted Arkansas Outdoors on the Arkansas Educational Television Network since its inception in 1992. Philpot serves as perennial master of ceremonies for events such as the State Fair Junior Livestock Auction and the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame luncheon. He also served on the Arkansas FFA Foundation board, as a long-time board member of Pulaski County Farm Bureau, and on the board of Arkansas Farm and Ranch Club.