The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia shall have conducted throughout the state each year, during the season most convenient to the agriculturists, a series of farmers' institutes for the instruction of the citizens of this state in better methods of agriculture in its various branches. These institutes shall be held at such times and places as the board may direct. The board shall make such rules and regulations as it may deem proper for organizing and conducting such institutes. In selecting lecturers for said institutes, preference shall be given to practical, successful farmers possessing aptitude for the work. The programs of such institutes shall be so arranged as to present the results of the most recent investigations in practical agriculture.