| | Baby calves take it easy in the pastures provided at the station. |
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| | These baby Black Sheep stay close together in the open field. |
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| | Poinsettia plants are abundant at the station, especially for Christmas. |
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The Central Research Station is in East Baton Rouge Parish near the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge. It is one the largest of the 20 research stations operated by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center through its research arm, the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station. Headquarters for the Central Research Station are on the Ben Hur Farm on Highway 30 about 3 miles south of Tiger Stadium. The Station encompasses 2,900 acres, including sub-farms at the LSU Dairy, the veterinary farm and the greenhouse services complex.
The Ben Hur Farm, situated on the Mississippi River, was once part of two sugar plantations, Mulberry Grove Plantation to the east and Hollywood to the west. These plantations were complete with sugar houses, quarters, stables, a general store, and a cemetery. The area became known as Ben Hur Plantation, and with most of the soils being poorly drained, ownership of the property changed hands frequently due to economic stability. Over time land use was shifted from row crops to pasture grazing for cattle, horses, and sheep. Rice and timber were also produced during the 1920’s. Louisiana State University purchased the property in 1936, and for many years the southern portion of Ben Hur Plantation was used for cattle grazing and herd experimentation. With the clearing of woodland on the western portion in 1954, animal and plant science research expanded significantly. The Central Research Station was established January 1, 1990, by Louisiana State University Agricultural Center to consolidate the administration and operation of Ben Hur Farm. Gerard T. Berggren Jr. was appointed as the fist resident director and served until December 31, 2003. Patrick K. Bollich was appointed January 1, 2004, and is the current resident director.
The mission of Central Research Station is to provide facilities, equipment, land and personnel to research scientists from the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station and cooperating agencies for the purpose of conducting both applied and basic research vital to the agricultural and scientific communities. A recently completed master plan provides the framework for future direction, layout, and construction to keep Central Research Station a viable component of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station and the LSU Agricultural Center.
Suggestions for enhancements are welcome and can be sent by e-mail to the Central Research Station.