North Carolina A&T University Farm Expansion Marks Largest Growth in 124-Year History
The North Carolina A&T University Farm expansion marks a significant milestone for the nation’s largest HBCU, reinforcing the university’s land-grant mission and long-standing commitment to agricultural research, teaching, and community engagement. North Carolina A&T State University recently acquired nearly 90 additional acres of land adjacent to its existing University Farm, expanding the total footprint to approximately 581 acres and representing the largest physical growth in the farm’s 124-year history. The expansion underscores the university’s continued investment in infrastructure that directly supports student learning, faculty research, and statewide outreach.
North Carolina A&T University Farm Expansion Strengthens the Land-Grant Mission
The North Carolina A&T University Farm expansion was completed through three separate land purchases totaling more than $4.2 million and funded through Title III education grant resources. Established in 1901, the University Farm has long served as a cornerstone of North Carolina A&T’s academic and research ecosystem, supporting experiential learning while advancing applied research initiatives that address food systems, sustainability, and rural development. With the additional acreage, the farm now stands among the most expansive agricultural teaching and research facilities at any HBCU, further solidifying North Carolina A&T’s leadership within the land-grant system and building on the institution’s broader legacy frequently highlighted in coverage of North Carolina A&T State University on HBCU Buzz.
Expanded Land Creates New Opportunities for Research and Student Learning
The University Farm currently features seven animal units, two horticultural research areas, and more than 20 sponsored research projects that directly support hands-on training for students across multiple academic disciplines. University officials noted that while the newly acquired land has been previously farmed, it will require restoration before being fully integrated into active production. One proposed use for the additional acreage includes expanded pastureland for the university’s beef cattle herd, a development that would enhance experiential learning opportunities for students studying animal science, agribusiness, and environmental sustainability. The expansion is also expected to support future grant activity, research partnerships, and curriculum development tied to emerging agricultural challenges and innovation.
Why the North Carolina A&T University Farm Expansion Matters
Interim Dean Radiah C. Minor emphasized that the expansion directly aligns with North Carolina A&T’s land-grant responsibilities in an agricultural state where workforce development, food security, and environmental resilience remain critical priorities. By expanding the physical footprint of the University Farm, the university is positioning itself to play a larger role in addressing both regional and national agricultural needs while providing students with access to real-world research environments. As the North Carolina A&T University Farm expansion moves forward, it stands as a clear example of how HBCUs continue to make strategic, forward-looking investments that generate long-term academic value and meaningful community impact.