University of Georgia dedicates former USDA research farm (2014)

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recently opened its newest research and education center, once operated by the USDA.

24663294-bg1.jpg

The University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recently opened its newest research and education center.

Formerly a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) research station, the 1,055 acre-farm and laboratory complex was formally transferred to the university to help expand its research, education, and outreach programs.

In 2011, as the USDA was moving to close similar sites across the nation, Congress approved a provision specifying that 10 land-grant universities could take ownership of such facilities provided they agreed to utilize the property for agricultural research for a minimum of 25 years.

UGA is the first university in the nation to complete the transfer process and take over the management of a former USDA facility.

“Today is important in the sense that it is going to allow the University of Georgia faculty to now to expand and continue their research at this particular facility,” said UGA President Jere Morehead.

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black praised the transfer, saying it helps keep the state’s flagship college of agriculture continuing its mission to improve Georgia farming.

Congressman Jack Kingston said the addition reinforces the state’s long heritage of agriculture research.

“So we have to have Ag research that shows us how to get more production per acre than ever before,” said Kingston.

Many UGA College of Agriculture experiments are ongoing in the facility.

This report is from our partners at the Georgia Farm Monitor.

Related Stories
A transition from traditional, technology-specific subsidies toward a performance-based, technology-neutral framework
Lower freight costs helped sustain export demand amid a challenging pricing environment.
Producers across the country spent the week balancing spring planning with tight margins and uneven moisture outlooks. Input purchasing stayed cautious, while marketing and cash-flow decisions remained front and center for many operations.
Income support helps, but farm finances remain tight heading into 2026.
Corey Owens of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association shares updates about this year’s event and its continued impact on youth, agriculture, and the San Angelo community.
Success requires more than talent — on this week’s FFA Today, agriculture students show us the hard work, dedication, and teamwork required to gain important skills outside of the classroom through the National FFA Organization.
Federal assistance has helped, but the most recent row-crop losses remain on producers’ balance sheets.
Rebuilding domestic textiles depends on automation and vertical integration, not tariffs or legacy manufacturing models.
RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey spoke with U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and John Rose (R-TN), who say bipartisan cooperation will be key to getting the Farm Bill to the president’s desk.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Co-Bank Lead Dairy Economist, Corey Geiger, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report for a further look at the drop in replacement heifers and the trend’s longterm impact on dairy producers and cattle prices.
The agriculture workforce’s struggles with labor issues in recent years have opened the door to more automation and integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
RanchHERs Lyn & Sherrie Ray breed horses and raise cattle in New Mexico, while also helping to mentor the next generation of ag leaders
Today in Wyoming, Rural Media Group’s late founder, Patrick Gottsch, will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame! The rodeo’s CEO, Tom Hirsing, joined us to share why Patrick is so deserving of this honor.
How one firm’s numbers compare to USDA data as farmers prepare for a massive corn and soybean harvest, and the significant issue brewing for beans if the U.S.'s longstanding bulk export to China falls through as they switch to offense on President Trump’s tariffs.
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture shows us why breaking even is going to be a challenge for corn producers across the state.