Entrepreneurs who built Arkansas' poultry industry into a major force in the world economy had close ties to the University of Arkansas as graduates and as industry partners in research and education. U.S. Vice President Alben Barkley spoke at the national "Chicken of Tomorrow" awards program in a packed Razorback Stadium in 1951. Contestants were private breeders who ultimately provided the genetic stock for the standard commercial broiler. The contest and a UA testing service for breeders spawned a partnership of scientists and entrepreneurs meeting public demand for economical, wholesome poultry. This partnership led, in the 1990s, to the University's nationally recognized Center of Excellence for Poultry Science.
This marker was located on Maple Street at the driveway entrance to the John W. Tyson Building. It has been removed temporarily while construction and widening of Maple Street continues.
Year Placed: 2000