11 May 2025 Guardian of the gardeners

By Judy Riley 

From a cattle ranch hand near Clinton to a rodeo queen to a county extension agent emerges a 21st century powerful woman, Sherri Sanders of White County. 

Her mom was a cattle farmer and her dad was a logger, modest means for sure. She and her brother showed cattle while participating in 4-H, FFA and local rodeos. “Like many farm kids, I learned the value of hard work early on, and I credit that foundation for my strong work ethic,” says Sanders.

Her training started at Arkansas State University in Beebe (ASU-Beebe)with an associate degree in agriculture, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from ASU in Jonesboro. Her Extension journey began in Union County in 1995, then Jackson County in 1997, and finally in 2000 as County Extension Agent-Agriculture in White County, her present position. While advancing her career and raising her children, Jessica and Will, she earned a Master of Science in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas in 2009. 

Sanders’ job is horticulture, working with both homeowners and commercial growers. “I provide guidance on crop-specific needs and make farm and house calls, assisting homeowners with everything from roses, lawns and vegetable gardens to commercially grown pecans, blackberries, sod and strawberries.” In White County, that could be a full-time job for any “garden variety” professional, but not for Sanders. 

She gives leadership to over 100 Master Gardeners (MGs), which requires teaching a 40-hour training session at least twice yearly, either in person or electronically. Sanders coordinates the MGs’ continuing education requirements as well as their volunteer projects. It is easy to look around White County and see their handiwork at public parks and public buildings. Whatever landscaping skirts a courthouse, a library or a school is likely a product of an MG group.  

Rose Ann Houston, one of 12 charter members of the first class of MGs in 1997, sings high praises for Sanders. “When Sherri came to the county, the membership grew by leaps and bounds. She works tirelessly to keep us informed, assist with our projects, and recruit new volunteers. She is always in our corner, helping us in any way she can.”

To top off Sanders’ busy schedule, over 500 MGs from across the state will convene at Harding University in June for three days of classes, tours, workshops, meals and business sessions. “While most host counties request help from other counties’ volunteers, we are taking charge of all arrangements. 

That means we have several subcommittees hard at work,” according to MG Marilyn Sims. This Herculean task will happen with Sherri’s leadership and encouragement. “She is so bubbly and encouraging, we just want to be around her and want to do things for and with her. We are really blessed,” Sims said.

Sanders’ influence extends way beyond White County and the 501. She conducts an average of 35-40 training classes each year at various gardening seminars. For example, she works with fellow agents in White, Lonoke and Prairie Counties to assist pecan growers with on-farm demonstrations. They encourage using Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, a process of controlling pests with minimum input. She writes for The Beebe News and The Daily Citizen each week and for monthly horticulture newsletters.

Her latest venture is a joint project with her daughter Jessica. They record interviews with female farmers, showcasing their commitment and letting the public know their prevalence and contribution. ‘AgricultHER,’ recordings and a host of other information are available at uaex.uada.edu/counties/white/default.aspx.

Where does this energizer bunny go to recharge? She credits her faith, her involvement with her church family and her adult Sunday school class in particular. Sanders’ personal journey has not been without difficulty. “A few years ago, I found myself in an unhealthy place: too heavy and too miserable to fully enjoy the life I knew I wanted. After much consideration, I chose to undergo gastric sleeve surgery, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said. 

“Since then, I’ve lost over 120 pounds, allowing me to return to my love of riding horses. I am even competing in rodeos as a breakaway roper.” (A rider ropes a calf around the neck and the rope breaks away from the saddle once the calf is far enough away from the horse.) “More than just weight loss, this journey has been an investment in my lifespan. It is a reminder that being overweight is hard, but being healthy is hard too, but you have to choose your hard!” She gives kudos to her husband Kyle, who has been her “corner post” in her work and her health quest.

Sanders is quick to give credit to her coworkers, claiming to work with the best folks. “Our entire county office staff is dedicated to serving our clientele, and we work together as a team. I have the world’s greatest job.” Sanders helps people become more food self-sufficient and helps Arkansas agriculture provide food and fiber to feed the world. She aids others while contributing to the industry she is passionate about; that’s where it is for this wonder woman of the 501!