Carvel Research and Education Center
The Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center
The Carvel Center campus, located in Georgetown in Sussex County, fulfills the tripartite mission of our land-grant university — teaching, research and Extension outreach. The Carvel Center serves as the southern agricultural experiment station for the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and encompasses the Thurman Adams Jr. Agriculture Research Farm (347 acres) with a focus on agronomic, vegetable and horticulture crops, the Warrington Irrigation Research Farm (120 acres) in Harbeson, Lasher Laboratory for poultry diagnostics, and the Jones Hamilton Environmental Research House. Our campus is also home to Sussex County Cooperative Extension providing programing in 4-H Youth Development, Poultry, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Lawn and Garden.
With an overall staff of 50 full-time administrators, agents, faculty, and specialists, assisted by 50 to 70 seasonal part-time employees and student interns, the Carvel Center paves the way in serving the needs of the agricultural industry, youth and families, students and residents of our great state. Learn more about our history.
Our research and educational facilities
Upcoming Events
Montage of Extension Staff in Action in Delaware: youtube.com/watch?v=UHPYhBIWRj0
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UD Carvel Center’s expanded field and crop tours provide key outreach to Delaware agriculture
September 30, 2026 | Article and photos by Michele Walfred. Video by Cassandra DaleyEvery August, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension experts at the Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown open up their 347-acre campus and invite agriculture stakeholders to view first hand the latest research in both fruit and vegetable and agronomic crops. A decades-long tradition, the summer event attracts local farmers, farm-related businesses and vendors, certified crop advisors and anyone with a vested interest in Delaware’s largest economic sector — agriculture. -
UD Extension welcomes Delaware educators for professional development
September 21, 2026 | Article and photos by Michele WalfredOn Sept. 15, the University of Delaware Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown welcomed 52 agriscience educators from across the state for a day of professional development. -
Financing the Future of Agriculture: Delaware Agriculture shares feedback with the Federal Reserve Bank
September 14, 2026 | Article and photos by Michele WalfredIn early September, individuals representing a cross-section of Delaware agriculture accepted invitations to a candid conversation with the Federal Reserve Bank. The attendees included produce and grain growers, poultry and dairy farmers, ag lenders, suppliers, commercial poultry integrators, and owners of agritourism venues. The event was hosted by the University of Delaware Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown.
History of the Agriculture Research Center in Georgetown
A Delaware General Assembly act provided the establishment of an agricultural substation for southern Delaware. The first structure at the new "Substation" opened in 1942, which is still in use — now as storage space.
A more thorough, published history written by former Extension specialist and former Delaware Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Kee, is now available in the fall of 2019.