Northwest Georgia Research and Education Center

Katie Hammond Research Center Superintendent

Northwest Research and Education Center

khammond@uga.edu 706-624-1398

Northwest Georgia Research and Education Center

300 Battey Farm Rd NE, Rome, GA 30161

Connect on Facebook

Our Work and Priorities

The Northwest Georgia Research and Education Center's 905 acres of land provides the opportunity to perform valuable beef cattle, forage, and row crop research. It is also home to the Calhoun Bull Evaluation and the Calhoun Heifer Evaluation and Reproductive Development (HERD) Programs.

The main center is located in Rome, Georgia, but the office and Northwest Georgia Livestock Pavilion are located in Calhoun. Eight full-time employees ensure that the Northwest Georgia Research and Education Center remains a facility that provides quality research opportunities. The Calhoun center also houses the Gordon County Extension Office and other college personnel.

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.

Agricultural Research Centers in Georgia Find your local county Extension Office

USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins (center) joins Georgia agricultural leaders, producers and UGA CAES leadership at the college's Iron Horse Farm for a listening session on key industry challenges, including disaster relief, trade markets and the future of American farming. (Photo by Georgia Department of Agriculture)

CAES News

USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visits CAES for farmer listening session 03/27/25

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visited UGA’s Iron Horse Farm for a listening session with Georgia agricultural leaders. Producers and commodity representatives shared concerns on disaster relief, labor shortages, trade and the future of farming. They also highlighted the vital role of CAES researchers and UGA Cooperative Extension in boosting efficiency, yields, and food safety, strengthening Georgia’s agricultural economy.

Palisades Fire from Playa Vista, Los Angeles

CAES News

Fighting fire with fire: How prescribed burns can help mitigate wildfire risks 01/21/25

As shocking images of the fire-blasted hills around Los Angeles demonstrate, wildfires have become an increasing concern in the United States, particularly in regions where suppression strategies have dominated for decades. A new study by University of Georgia researcher Yukiko Hashida examines how prescribed burns could play a key role in mitigating wildfire risks.

See More News

CAES Events

Join us April 22nd for the Tifton H.E.R.D. Sale!

Apr 22

12:30PM - 3:30PM Tifton H.E.R.D. Sale UGA Tifton Bull Evaluation Center, Chula, GA

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule is the first federally regulated standard for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding fresh produce in an effort to reduce microbial contamination and foodborne illness outbreaks. If you grow fruits or vegetables, attend a training for information about best practices, risk management, and regulatory requirements. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement.During this one-day workshop, trainers will spend approximately eight hours of instruction time covering content contained in the seven modules below.• Introduction to Produce Safety• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training• Soil Amendments• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan Lunch will be provided! Email annie.carter1@uga.edu with any dietary restrictions and/or food allergens. We cannot make changes to the order the day of the event. Cancellation Policy For cancellations, please email efs@uga.edu.Cancellations made a week or less before the event will not be refunded. Cancellations made prior to a week before the workshop will be issued a full refund. All workshops and courses are subject to cancellation by Food Science and Technology Extension. In this case, full refunds will be issued to all who have paid registration fees. Neither The University of Georgia nor Food Science and Technology Extension are required to reimburse any expenses made by the attendee prior to cancellation except for the registration fee.

Apr 29

8:00AM - 5:00PM Produce Safety Alliance, Grower Training in Blue Ridge, GA Fannin County Family Connection, Blue Ridge

Committed to serving cattleman and consumers