Kolten Wright Agricultural Science Research Technician

Growing up on a beef cattle farm in Waldron, Arkansas, Kolten Wright always had a connection to agriculture. It wasn’t until a summer internship at the USDA Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center he discovered how his love for science and hands-on work could merge into a meaningful career.

“I found out I could do research that helps answer the same kinds of questions my own family farm had,” Wright said.

Today, Kolten serves as an Agricultural Science Research Technician, supporting a wide range of research projects focused on small farms—from forage systems and soil health to integrating native warm-season grasses. Whether he’s planting plots, flying drones, or collecting seed heads for analysis, every task is part of a larger mission: improving agriculture for producers across the region.

“No two days are the same,” he said. “And when things get tough, I remember that this work helps a lot of people.”

Kolten’s passion for sustainable agriculture shines through in his work with native grasses and rotational systems that offer both environmental and economic benefits. He’s especially proud of a four-year collaborative project with universities across the South, exploring how native warm-season grasses can complement traditional grazing systems like tall fescue.

With a strong sense of purpose and a deep respect for the scientific process, Kolten also encourages students and young professionals to stay curious, ask questions, and build relationships with experts in the field.

“Talk to professors, extension agents—people who will take the time to explain things,” he said. “You’ll learn a lot, and you might just find your future career.”

Through his work at USDA, Kolten Wright is helping shape a more resilient, informed future for Arkansas agriculture—one carefully measured data point at a time.

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