A Look Inside UGA Grand Farm

Located in Perry, the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Grand Farm site is part of a growing partnership focused on advancing precision agriculture. It serves as a collaborative space where new technologies can be tested and validated in real-world conditions.

Since the partnership was established in 2024, the site has quickly developed into a 250-acre hub for agricultural innovation.

One of the most notable features is the variety of crops grown on-site. This includes cotton, soybeans, corn, and peanuts. Future plans include the expansion into pecans and peaches. This diversity allows researchers and companies to test technologies in conditions that reflect farming across the Southeast.

Several emerging technologies are being tested on the site. One example is a handheld device that analyzes plant health in real time. Instead of sending samples to a lab and waiting for results, users can scan a leaf and immediately receive data on nutrient levels. This allows for faster, more informed decisions in the field.

Other tools focus on irrigation and soil conditions. Sensors placed in the ground provide daily updates on moisture levels by helping determine exactly when and how much water is needed. This supports crop health while also conserving resources.

The site is also testing technology that can detect plant diseases before they are visible by allowing growers to take early action and reduce potential crop loss.

What sets UGA Grand Farm apart is the collaboration behind it. Companies from across the country, and around the world, are coming to Perry to test their technologies. Many of these are startup companies working to bring new ideas to market. The site provides a space to refine those ideas alongside researchers and industry professionals.

Economic development is a key factor at the forefront of this program. The long-term vision is to attract companies not only to test in Perry but by creating new opportunities for investment and growth in the community.

As the site continues to expand, UGA Grand Farm is helping position Perry as a leader in agricultural innovation.