Our Work and Priorities

The University of Georgia created the Stripling Irrigation Research Park (SIRP) to be an innovative irrigation research and education center. The park is an easily accessible facility to offer assistance for farmers in irrigation management as well as to provide general information to the public regarding the role of water in the regional economy.

Scientists, engineers, and extension specialists collaborate with the staff and administration of the park to define crop water needs and improve food, feed, and fiber production using efficient irrigation methods. Industry partners are able to test equipment and water conservation strategies for Georgia under the objective eye of the college’s researchers. SIRP provides educational opportunities and demonstrations for farmers, irrigation companies, as well as students in local technical colleges and universities. Additionally, we often collaborate with the local Mitchell County Extension Office staff. 

Agricultural water conservation is at the forefront of topics in southwest Georgia with the increasing frequency of drought periods and increasing water demands throughout the Apalachicola – Chattahoochee – Flint (ACF) River Basin. Thus, the mission of the Stripling Park has included conservation ideals since its inception. With the ongoing “water wars” over water flow and demand in the ACF River Basin, maximizing efficiency and conservation efforts in this region has become a priority.

About us


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.
Leaders from the University of Georgia, Grand Farm and Georgia’s agriculture community break ground on UGA Grand Farm in Perry, Georgia. The 250-acre innovation farm will focus on advancing autonomous technologies and sustainable practices tailored to Southeast agriculture. (Photo by Sean Montgomery) CAES News
UGA Grand Farm breaks ground in Perry, Georgia
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and North Dakota-based Grand Farm came together Friday to break ground on the University of Georgia Grand Farm, an agriculture innovation partnership in Perry, Georgia. UGA President Jere W. Morehead, Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Sen. Larry Walker, Grand Farm Ecosystems Director Andrew Jason and CAES Dean and Director Nick T. Place addressed the crowd of more than 200 attendees.
(Clockwise from bottom left) Doctoral students Daniel Matusinec (photos one and two), Maria Teresa Tancredi (photos three through five), and master's degree student Carlton Collins (photos six and seven) were honored with 2025 E. Broadus Browne Awards for the best graduate research from departments within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. CAES News
Three graduate researchers honored in 20th year of E. Broadus Browne Awards
For the 20th consecutive year, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences hosted the prestigious E. Broadus Browne Research Awards competition, resulting in three new graduate students being honored for their outstanding efforts in research and communication. In recognition of former Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station Director Edmund Broadus Browne, the annual competition highlights some of the best graduate research from departments within the college and challenges contestants with an oral presentation.