More Than Land: Cultivating the Future

At Prairie View A&M University, the Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch is more than farmland—it’s a center for innovation, hands-on learning, and groundbreaking research that is changing our future for the better. Spanning over 770 acres (just over HALF of PVAMU’s sprawling 1,440-acre campus), the farm is the backbone of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources’ Academic, Research, and Extension programs. (The Extension portion serves over 56 counties in Texas.)

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The farm is a living classroom where students, faculty, and industry professionals gain real-world agricultural experience, conduct cutting-edge research, and develop solutions that benefit local and global communities alike.

“The Farm is a hub for student success, impactful research, and extension outreach that empower the University’s land-grant missions.”
- Erdogan Memili, Professor, Executive Associate Director, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center and Director of the Farm

What is on the Farm?

The farm is a living laboratory where science meets practice. It features state-of-the-art facilities that drive research and education, including:

International Goat Research Center
Meat Science Center for Innovation
Poultry Center
Specialty Greenhouses
Algae Center for Excellence

The farm also includes demonstration areas for PVAMU Extension community outreach programs, smart farming and precision agriculture areas, and research program sites on soil health, sweet potato cultivation, strawberry production, and fruit trees.

So, what happens within these facilities?
Let’s explore.

International Goat Research Center

Meat Science Center for Innovation

International Goat Research Center

The International Goat Research Center is world-renowned. Through research that happens here, findings are improving livelihoods in Texas, the Gulf Coast region, as well in developing countries in the global village. The mission of the IGRC is simple: to advance the science of dairy and meat goat production and health and product development and use this information to make things better for us, aka humans, specifically in food and nutrition security. The IGRC is also a hub of experiential learning for students and the community, with practical training for breeding, raising, and managing goat herds.

For the best experience, view this video with a VR headset.

Meat Science Center for Innovation

The Meat Science Center for Innovation is one of the farm’s newest facilities. In just two years, this state-inspected meat processing facility has become a key player in meat science research, education, and training. The center processes beef, pork, lamb, and goat, primarily from animals raised on the farm. A bonus: There is a retail sales component, where the public can purchase fresh cuts of meat. This creates a farm-to-table experience, connecting consumers directly to the research and production process.

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Specialty Greenhouses

Inside 3,000+ square feet of climate-controlled Specialty Greenhouses, life-saving crops thrive year-round. Researchers grow root vegetables, including sweet potatoes, leafy greens, underutilized crops, specialty fruits, and medicinal plants—some of which offer benefits that rival modern medicine. By studying these crops, researchers can help create a healthier, more sustainable food system.

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Poultry Center

Poultry—chickens, turkeys, and other birds raised for meat and eggs— is one of the world’s leading sources of protein. The Poultry Center focuses on making poultry farming more efficient and eco-friendly for producing wholesome food. With grocery prices rising, research here is more important than ever. Scientists study feed innovations, food and nutrient security, farming practices, and disease prevention to improve production while ensuring sustainability. The center also provides hands-on learning for students preparing for careers in poultry science and agribusiness.

For the best experience, view this video with a VR headset.

Specialty Greenhouses

Poultry Center

Algae Center of Excellence

Algae may seem simple, but at the Algae Center of Excellence, these plant-like organisms are helping to solve real-world challenges in food, energy, and water. Researchers study how algae can create sustainable biofuels to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve fertilizers to support healthier crops, and clean wastewater. By harnessing algae’s potential, researchers are paving the way for more efficient agricultural and environmental solutions.

Other specialized areas

The research doesn’t end there. Other specialized areas on the Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch include:

The Eddy Covariance Flux Tower (or ‘Flux Tower’ for short). It’s basically a high-tech tool for studying climate change, carbon cycles, and ecosystem health.
Sprawling Cattle Pastures that are home to over 100 animals. They provide hands-on learning in livestock management while supporting responsible ranching practices.
The Student-led Garden spans half an acre, growing over 30 food crops that support research, nourish the campus, and benefit local communities.
Field Demonstration Plots, which are active sites PVAMU Extension agents use to showcase skills and best practices producers (community members) can use in their fields. These areas allow them to try new techniques and systems they can sustainably adapt to improve soil health, increase production, and stay current on industry regulations.
Last but not least, the AGRO-Innovation & Technology Center leverages science and technology to enhance agricultural learning, research, and outreach through smart infrastructure and data-driven solutions.

A Future-Ready Farm

“The farm is a hidden gem,” says Farm Research Service Manager Dwight Rhodes, who has been with PVAMU for 43 years. More than just land, the Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch is a center of innovation, education, and sustainability, shaping the next generation of farmers, researchers, and agricultural leaders. Its impact extends beyond the fields, cultivating opportunities that advance not only PVAMU students’ careers and futures but also the future of humankind.

Whether a student eager for hands-on experience, a scientist pushing the boundaries of agricultural research, or an industry leader seeking new insights, this farm is a living laboratory—driving innovation, sustainability, and the next era of agriculture.

This story is a part of the Excellence Lives Here series led by the Office for Marketing and Communications at Prairie View A&M University.

Credits:
Story by Marchita Shilo
Creative by LeWebster Lacy '10, Liz Faublas‑Wallace, Nicholas Hunt '16, Jordan Guidry, TeKedra Pierre '99, '18, Ed.D., Trevior Mays, Ebony Ohen '19, Steven Berry '09, and Kris Green