Explore the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center

We know Southern Illinois is unique. 

Whether you're managing a family farm, running a rural business, or simply looking to live better, the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center (DSAC) is your trusted source for research-backed solutions tailored to your environment. Since its founding in 1934, DSAC has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation and rural development, operating on over 5,000 acres of unique, diverse terrain in Pope County.

As the largest agricultural experiment station east of the Mississippi River, DSAC is more than a research facility—it’s a bridge between academic insight and real-world application. DSAC links the laboratories and classrooms of the University of Illinois and the USDA with the farms in Southern Illinois. From livestock management to forestry, specialty crops, and rural resilience, our research is focused on delivering direct, measurable benefits to your life and livelihood.

At DSAC, we don’t just study the land—we work with the people who depend on it. Explore how our discoveries are making a difference, and how you can be a part of shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for Illinois.