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 agriculture experiment station for the 91Ô´´ 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.Ìý
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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.
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Our research and educational facilities
Upcoming Events
Montage of Extension Staff in Action in Delaware: youtube.com/watch?v=UHPYhBIWRj0
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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 91Ô´´ Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown. -
Spotting the Signs & Having the Talk - Suicide Prevention Month
September 10, 2026 | Written by: Jennifer Seabrook-Scott, Health & Well-Being Extension AgentAccording to the Centers for Disease Control, Delaware recorded 145 deaths by suicide in 2024. Past state health surveys indicate that roughly 11.2% of Delaware adults and 14.2% of adolescents (ages 12–17) have experienced suicidal ideation in a given recent 12-month tracking period. Fortunately, the American Psychological Association reports approximately 80% of people who attempt suicide show warning signs beforehand. -
Make Homeowners Insurance Part of Your Annual Financial Review
September 02, 2026 | Written by: Kelly Sipple, Extension Agent in Health & Well-Being Financial LiteracyYour homeowner’s insurance should not be treated as a "set it and forget it" expense. Review your policy at least once a year, and whenever you make significant changes to your home or belongings. Make sure your coverage is sufficient to rebuild your home at current construction costs, rather than simply reflecting its market value.
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.