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Our work across the state relies heavily on a network of research and education centers.
Extension’s agricultural centers exist to provide direct service to crop producers, landowners, crop consultants, advisors, the agricultural industry, the green industry, and commercial growers. This group of centers is a system of field laboratories and classrooms accessible without charge to clientele. The centers provide resources where faculty and staff can conduct proof-of-concept research.
Illinois Extension Research Facilities
Crop Sciences Research and Education Center
Locally referred to as the South Farms, this 1,000 acre research farm sits south of campus and includes the Morrow Plots, the oldest continuous agricultural research field in the United States.
Dixon Springs Agricultural Center
Researchers at DSAC coordinate their programs to meet the needs of area farmers. Beef cattle research focuses on grazing management, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, and pest management.
Ewing Demonstration Center
This center in Franklin County has served the agricultural community of southern Illinois since 1910, driving research in cover crops and pumpkins, insecticides and herbicide trials, and variety trials for corn, soybean, sorghum, and wheat.
Orr Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center
The Center herd resides on a 206 acre managed-intensive grazed pasture with winter cow feeding facilities. Orr conducts research on beef cattle nutrition, management, reproduction, genetics and grazing.