History of relationship with CAES
Grand Farm’s relationship with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has developed over several years through conversations around applied research, grower needs, and the role of technology in advancing agriculture. Early connections between Grand Farm leadership, CAES faculty, and state and federal leaders helped establish a mutual understanding of how Grand Farm’s neutral, ecosystem-based model could translate to the Southeast.
One early moment that underscored this alignment was the former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue’s involvement at the Grand Farm ribbon cutting in Horace, North Dakota. His presence reinforced the importance of connecting research institutions, growers, and industry, an approach that continues to guide the UGA Grand Farm today.
2025 Inaugural Growing Season
The 2025 growing season marked the inaugural field year for the UGA Grand Farm. This first season focused on establishing foundational plots, building operational rhythms, and creating early feedback loops between growers, researchers, startups, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agents, and corporate partners.
During the 2025 season, the UGA Grand Farm hosted:
- 5 field trials featuring AquaSpy, Earnest Ag, Catalera, EF Polymer, and CroBio
- 2 crop types: cotton and soybean
- 475 total visitors to the UGA Grand Farm site
Groundbreaking Event
The UGA Grand Farm groundbreaking marked a major milestone in bringing the site to life. The event brought together growers, university leadership, policymakers, corporate partners, researchers, and community members to formally launch the campus.
Speakers included:
- University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead
- CAES Dean and Director Nick T. Place
- Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper
- Georgia Senator Larry Walker
- Grand Farm Ecosystem Director Andrew Jason
First-Ever Field Day
In October 2025, the UGA Grand Farm hosted its first-ever Field Day, welcoming partners, students, UGA extension agents, growers, and stakeholders to experience the site in action. Attendees had the opportunity to walk active field trials, engage directly with field plot partners, and participate in on-site demonstrations, as well as 12+ field tours hosted throughout the season.
Gratitude to 2025 Founding Partners
The progress made during the inaugural year would not have been possible without the commitment of the UGA Grand Farm’s 2025 Founding Partners. Their willingness to invest, collaborate, and help shape the site played a critical role in building early momentum.
12 Total partners: AgGeorgia Farm Credit, AquaSpy, CroBio, Earnest Ag, EF Polymer, Catalera, Center of Innovation, iCrop, Sabanto, Sentera, Sentinel Ag, SoilTech Wireless
What to look out for in 2026
- In partnership with CAES, UGA Grand Farm is developing Innovation Row at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference to showcase applied AgTech and partner-led solutions.
- Field Days will remain a core engagement tool, connecting students and growers directly with emerging research and technologies.
- The site will expand its portfolio of field trials and demonstration opportunities, providing additional validation opportunities for startups, industry leaders, and researchers.
- Continued site infrastructure development to enhance the campus’s capacity for events, demonstrations, and long-term research.
- NEW: In collaboration with the Georgia National Fairgrounds, UGA Grand Farm will co-host America 250, celebrating agriculture’s role in shaping America’s past while looking towards the future!
