The purpose of this study was to examine the strategies employed by 1890 land grant universities in recruiting and retaining African Americans in agricultural science. Recruitment strategies such as African American agricultural role models, secondary agricultural education, summer enrichment programs, and prior agricultural life experiences were found to be effective. The findings from this study indicate that the following retention strategies were successful in retaining African American students in agricultural science: funding for scholarships and employment, quality advisement, and a network system with mentors. (Contains 3 tables.)