Agricultural Research Station

Land set aside during the late nineteenth century with the formalization of agricultural research in the U.S. With federal funding from the Department of Agriculture, branch stations were organized at the state level, often associated with state colleges, to carry out specialized research programs focused on local agricultural issues. The layout and design of research stations vary with individual research programs but are typically vast rural areas consisting of open space, cultivated fields, and demonstration farms. Representative farm types include beef cattle, dairy, poultry, sheep, horses, swine, fruit, vegetable, silage, and forage crops. Built resources such as farm outbuildings, laboratories, dwellings, and office buildings may be scattered throughout the site.