J. Phil Campbell Sr. Research and Education Center

Eric Elsner Superintendent

eelsner@uga.edu 706-542-7236

J. Phil Campbell Sr. Research and Education Center

1420 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677

Our Work and Priorities

The center's staff maintains a herd of 200 Angus and Angus-based brood cows and currently supports research in many areas including forage production and utilization by beef cattle, alfalfa breeding and production, fescue breeding, clover breeding, corn production strategies, and cotton variety trials. The area's climate and soils are suited for most of the commodities grown in the southern piedmont region.

In addition to the center's main priority of CAES research, its proximity to campus makes an ideal location for teaching and extension functions as well. JPCREC houses the Oconee County Cooperative Extension office as well as the North Region Agricultural Education offices.

About us

Featured Research

Martian regolith and bedrock simulants

UGA Geology Ph.D. Student, Laura Fackrell, is first author on a publication summarizing the mineralogy of Mars surface materials and detailing the development of Mars soil and surface material simulants for agricultural studies. The photo shows one of the plants growing in her artifical light "green house" located at the UGA J. Phil Campbell Sr. Research and Education Center.

We investigate the latest production and technological practices, striving for producer profitability and sustainability.

Research and Education Centers (RECs) are hubs for innovation and discovery that address the most critical issues facing agricultural production throughout the state. Ultimately, our findings are shared with stakeholders through the extension and outreach efforts of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Agricultural Research Centers in Georgia Find your local county Extension Office

UGA professor and peanut breeder William “Bill” D. Branch has developed more than 30 novel, licensed peanut varieties. (CAES)

CAES News

Branch named National Academy of Inventors Fellow 01/17/25

William “Bill” D. Branch, a professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, has been elected as Fellow for the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). Branch is the 17th UGA faculty member to receive this honor, which recognizes inventors whose innovations have had a significant impact on society, economic development and quality of life.

CAES News

CAES scientists discover how cyst nematodes attack crops 01/14/25

People love the taste of sugar beets’ primary byproduct: white sugar. Soilborne cyst nematodes — parasitic, microscopic worms — enjoy the root vegetable, too, but as their sole food source. It’s an obstinate, expensive problem for farmers that researchers at the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are working to solve.

See More News

CAES Events

Date: Thursday – February 13th, 2025 Time: 12:00 p.m. Location: UGA Animal & Dairy Science Livestock Instructional Arena (2600 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605) or LiveAuction.TV for sale broadcast This Sale Features: 35 Service Age Angus Bulls 3 Registered Angus Open Heifers benefitting UGA Block and Bridle Club and UGA Cattlemen’s Association through scholarships and teaching activities 30 Angus-Cross Open Commercial Heifers This sale is held in conjunction with the Northeast Georgia Beef Cattle Short Course on Wednesday, February 12th at 9a.m.

Feb 13

12:00PM - 11:59PM 2025 Focus on Genomic Enhanced EPDs Bull Sale UGA Livestock Instructional Arena, Athens, GA

Agricultural advancement for northeast Georgia