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

Agricultural climatologist Pam Knox monitors the effects of climate change on agiruclture throughout the U.S. Here, she checks a weather monitoring system at Durham Horticulture Farm in Watkinsville, Georgia.

CAES News

UGA climatologist answers our burning questions on weather and climate 06/20/25

From peach orchards to porch conversations, weather is always part of the story in the South — and University of Georgia climatologist Pam Knox brings clarity, science and common sense to every weather event. Whether you’re wondering why the seasons feel out of sync, how climate change plays out in your backyard, or what to expect before the next storm, Knox offers answers grounded in decades of research and a deep connection to the land. It’s your forecast with context.

CAES News

How can we achieve agricultural resilience in a changing climate? 05/29/25

As we move into the 2025 hurricane season, it is more evident than ever that agriculture is dependent on nature. Even seemingly minor temperature variations have a significant impact on the precise mechanics of plants, animals and insects. As average temperatures have warmed by 3 degrees over the past century, the question remains — how will we adapt our agricultural practices to ensure that all people continue to have access to food, fiber and fuel now and in the future?

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CAES Events

This course will teach participants how to develop and document a food safety management program based on the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) for their specific operations.

Aug 25

08/25 1:00PM - 08/28 5:00PM Virtual Packinghouse HACCP

A one-day course for produce growers and packers who fall under FSMAs Produce Safety Rule.

Sep 09

8:00AM - 5:00PM Virtual Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training This will be held via ZOOM.

A one-day course for produce growers and packers who fall under FSMAs Produce Safety Rule.

Nov 20

8:00AM - 5:00PM Virtual Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training This will be held via ZOOM.

Agricultural advancement for northeast Georgia